HIV - PrEP

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV) is a pill that protects you from HIV. It can be used by people who are HIV negative to reduce their chance of acquiring HIV. It is a course of tablets that you can either take before and after sex OR take daily to cover unplanned sexual activity. All the options are fully explained below and can be discussed with a clinician when accessing your medication.

PrEP puts you in control.

‘pre’ is something you do before a risk of exposure (in this case to HIV)

‘prophylaxis’ is a treatment or action you can take to help prevent disease.

PrEP is not the same as PEP

Find out more about HIV

PrEP is a discreet and empowering way to protect yourself from HIV.

PrEP may be suitable for you if you:

• are HIV negative
• have anal, vaginal or frontal sex in a variety of situations where condoms are not easily or always used
• want to protect yourself from HIV.

If you are HIV negative and take PrEP properly, you will have almost 100% protection against HIV.

PrEP will only protect you against HIV. Using condoms will help reduce your risk of other STIs, including Syphilis and Gonorrhoea, which are on the rise.

Order FREE condoms by post

You may be eligible for PrEP if you are within one of these categories: 

1. Men and transgender women who:

• Have sex with men
• AND have had an HIV negative test during in the preceding year
• AND report condomless sex (excluding oral) in the previous 6 months
• AND are likely to continue having condomless sex (excluding oral)

2. HIV negative partners of an HIV positive person when:

• The HIV positive partner is not known to be virally suppressed (<200 copies/ml for 6 months or more)
• AND condomless sex (excluding oral) is anticipated before treatment of the HIV positive partner takes effect

3. Other HIV negative people assessed to be at high risk of HIV acquisition.

• This may include people having condomless sex (excluding oral) with partners from parts of the world where HIV is common (such as Southern Africa, Southeast Asia and the Caribbean), and commercial sex workers or their clients who report regular condomless sex. 

Did you know? Nearly half of new HIV diagnoses among heterosexuals in the UK are Black African men and women – despite making up less than 2 per cent of the British population. Approximately half of Black African men and women diagnosed with HIV in the UK are thought to have acquired HIV while living in the UK.

If you want PrEP please call 0300 300 2016.

If you are living with HIV, PrEP is not suitable for you. You need antiretroviral treatment. Speak to your GP, sexual health service or other health professionals supporting you for advice.

Where can I get PrEP for free in Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton & Isle of Wight?

Staff in our sexual health clinics are experienced and welcoming. They can answer your questions and give you the advice you need before taking PrEP.

PrEP is provided for free as part of NHS specialist services.

If you would like to talk about getting PrEP contact us on 0300 300 2016

If you are eligible to be provided PrEP by us, there are some initial tests which we need to perform at your first appointment. Most importantly, this will include a test to ensure you are HIV negative before commencing PrEP.

You will have an HIV test and a kidney function blood test on the day you start PrEP or just before. You might need to repeat these tests after taking PrEP for six weeks.

As part of ongoing provision of PrEP, you will be required to take regular monitoring tests which include a full STI screening every 3 months.  

If you have used a home HIV self-test you will still need to have an HIV test which is conducted in a lab.

You should also:

• get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• get vaccinated to protect yourself from hepatitis A and B and HPV (if eligible).

There are different ways of taking PrEP and your clinician will discuss which are suitable for you. 

•  Daily PrEP: you take one pill every day. This is suitable for all who require PrEP. Daily Prep Guide
• ‘On Demand’ PrEP (also called event-based dosing or ‘EBD’): you take a set amount of PrEP pills before and after a planned sexual event. This is only suitable for gay, bisexual men and trans women. PrEP On Demand Guide

You can use Preptrack app (https://preptrack.co.uk/) to help remember to take your PrEP. 

Whether you use PrEP every day or only when you need it, Preptrack can help you to make plans and take care of your sexual health with confidence.

If you:

• are experiencing any issues or side effects
• have started any new medication
• would like to discuss anything

you can contact us on 0300 300 2016.

If you have had less than 4 doses of PrEP on either Daily or Event Based Dosing, and had unprotected sex, attend one of our clinics or after hours attend your nearest A&E department as you may require PEP. 

Please ensure you make an appointment when you start your last bottle of PrEP so we can arrange some more. Call 0300 300 2016 or make an appointment using your PHR.

Whilst taking PrEP, we need to monitor your kidney function. We will do this by a blood and urine test completed in our clinic. This is usually completed every 6 months to 1 year and can be done in your routine appointments.

Please complete a routine STI screening every 3 months. This is required if we provide you with PrEP. You can order a home test kit using your PHR.

Order a free home STI testing kit.

You can find out more about PrEP by visiting a sexual health clinic in Solent. For more online information, visit:

www.iwantprepnow.co.uk

Online PrEP booklet

PrEP Leaflet