PrEP and PEP are medicines that stop HIV. PrEP is taken before sex. PEP is taken after a possible exposure to HIV, and it must be started as soon as possible.
Introduction
Both medicines are free from NHS sexual health clinics. With condoms and regular testing, they give you several ways to protect yourself from HIV.
PrEP
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a tablet that HIV-negative people take to stop HIV. Taken correctly, it is highly effective.
Before you start PrEP, we test you for HIV and hepatitis B and check how well your kidneys work. While you take PrEP, you have an HIV and STI test about every 3 months. PrEP does not protect against other STIs.
PEP
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a 28-day course of tablets after a possible exposure to HIV. Start it within 72 hours. The sooner, the better.
Come to the clinic as soon as possible. If the clinic is closed, go to an A&E department and ask for PEP.
Other ways to lower your risk
These steps lower your risk. They work best together.
- Use condoms
- Test for HIV and STIs regularly
- People living with HIV who have an undetectable viral load on treatment cannot pass HIV on through sex