What is PrEP?
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It’s a daily tablet that helps prevent HIV infection.
How Effective Is It?
When taken correctly, PrEP is up to 99% effective in preventing sexually-transmitted HIV infection.
Who Should Take PrEP?
PrEP is recommended for people who may be at higher risk of HIV exposure. In Australia, this includes:
- Men who have sex with men, transgender or gender diverse people who don’t consistently use condoms with causal partners.
- People with a HIV-positive partner who is not on effective treatment.
- People who share injecting equipment
- People who will be travelling overseas (particularly to countries with high HIV prevalence) and plan to have condomless sex with casual partners
If you’re unsure whether PrEP is right for you, speak to your doctor or visit a sexual health clinic for advice. Before starting PrEP your doctor will order some baseline blood tests and screening for sexually transmitted infections.
How Do I Take PrEP?
Once your doctor confirms that PrEP is suitable for you and gives you a prescription, there are two main ways to take it:
1. Daily PrEP
Taking PrEP every day is the most common method in Australia. It offers continuous protection, which is ideal for people who have sex often or have unplanned sex without condoms.
How to take daily PrEP:
- Take 1 pill every day
2. On-Demand PrEP
On-demand PrEP is recommended only for cis-gender men who have sex with men, as there isn’t enough evidence of its effectiveness for other groups. It is also not recommended for people if you have chronic hepatitis B infection. This option may suit you if you have sex less often and can plan ahead.
How to take on-demand PrEP:
- Take 2 pills 2 to 24 hours before sex.
- Take 1 pill 24 hours after sex.
- Take another pill 24 hours after the last tablet (i.e. 48 hours after sex)
If you continue having sex in the following days, take 1 more pill every 24 hours. After your last sexual activity, continue for two more days (1 pill each day) to remain protected.
Are There Any Side Effects?
PrEP is generally safe and well tolerated. Possible side effects are usually mild and temporary, including:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Bloating or gas
- Rare kidney or liver problems
If you have existing kidney or liver issues, discuss those with your doctor before starting PrEP.
How Do I Get PrEP?
To start PrEP:
- Speak with your GP or visit a sexual health clinic to see if it’s right for you.
- If prescribed, you can buy it from a local pharmacy or order it online from approved overseas suppliers.
While taking PrEP, it’s important to have a regular STI test and check-up with your doctor every three months. This is also when you can request a new script for your next three months of PrEP.
For more information, visit: www.pan.org.au
