PrEP combines two different ARV drugs in one pill. The two drugs are called TDF and FTC (both are required for PrEP to be effective). PrEP is sometimes called Truvada as Truvada is a brand name for TDF-FTC. Generic versions of TDF-FTC are also available. These are exactly the same drugs, just made by different companies.

If you take PrEP every day, it is highly effective and provides a great deal of protection against HIV. The World Health Organisation and the US Centers for Disease Control say PrEP is over 90% effective. No prevention option is 100% effective.It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

PrEP does not treat or cure HIV

PrEP is a new additional prevention option and is not meant to replace existing HIV prevention approaches if they work for you. It is one option among others such as using condoms consistently and correctly.

PrEP is not the same as PEP

Both PrEP (which stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (which stands for post-exposure prophylaxis) are taken by HIV-negative people to prevent HIV but:

• PrEP is taken by someone before they might be exposed to HIV.

• PEP is taken after a person might have come into contact with HIV.

Is PrEP right for me?

No single HIV prevention tool will be the right fit for everyone.

You will be the best person to decide what works for you. PrEP is unique in that it is an HIV prevention option that can be completely private, and is individually-controlled.

No one else, other than your doctor, has to know that you are using it, if that is what you want.

Why should I take PrEP?

Not everyone will feel that PrEP is for them, but if you take PrEP consistently it can reduce your risk of getting HIV during condomless sex.

You don’t have to tell anyone you’re using PrEP, if you don’t want to.

You might consider taking PrEP if:

• You have a partner or partners who do not know their HIV status and you do not use condoms during sex

• You have a partner who has HIV and does not have an undetectable viral load

  • For some people living with HIV, PrEP can be a way of sharing the responsibility about prevention with their partner. If you are the partner of someone living with HIV, it is a way for you to take control over your own prevention

• You have multiple sexual partners

• You know, or are concerned that, your partner has other sexual partners

How should PrEP be taken?

People can take PrEP during times in their lives when they think they may be at risk of getting HIV – you do not need to take PrEP for the rest of your life.

You can only use PrEP if you are HIV negative.

PrEP should be taken once a day for as long as a person is at risk of HIV (or as long as is recommended by a healthcare provider). It is not effective right after the first pill is taken and should be taken every day for at least 7 days before it can be relied on as HIV prevention.

For women, PrEP must be taken daily, even if you are not having sex every day. You might hear about event-based dosing which involves taking PrEP less than daily, but this has not been shown to be effective for women having vaginal sex. Click here for more information on different ways to take PrEP.

If you take PrEP you will need to go to a clinic approximately every three months for check-ups and to collect a new prescription. You will need to be tested for HIV before starting, and regularly as you take PrEP.

Don’t forget condoms! PrEP does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and does not prevent pregnancy. PrEP is safe to take alongside hormonal contraception. It is also safe during pregnancy, whilst breastfeeding, or if you are trying to conceive.

Is PrEP safe?

Studies have shown that PrEP is safe; however some people who take PrEP may experience side effects (though most do not). Headache, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort are the most common side effects and these most often resolve with time (after a few weeks of taking PrEP).

In a very small number of people, PrEP can affect the kidneys. These issues usually go away after stopping PrEP. Whilst using PrEP, you will have regular kidney function tests, during your clinic check-ups.

You will need to be tested for HIV before starting PrEP. People with HIV should not take PrEP as it is not sufficient to treat HIV.