PrEP is a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention medicine, for people who don't have HIV but are at high risk of catching HIV through sexual intercourse
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. A prophylaxis is designed to prevent or reduce the chances of getting an infection or disease. HIV PrEP is often used by people who are in a sexual relationship with someone who has HIV.
When taken correctly, PrEP is highly effective at blocking the HIV virus, so that the infection cannot take hold or spread throughout the body.
What is HIV?
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It’s most commonly spread through unprotected sexual intercourse, but can also be transmitted by sharing needles, syringes or from mother to baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. HIV can damage the cells in your immune system, weakening your ability to fight infections and disease.
This damage can lead to AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), a name which is used to describe a number of potentially threatening infections and illnesses that can develop because of the damaged immune system.
Who should use PrEP?
PrEP may be suitable for people who don't have HIV but are at risk of getting HIV through sexual intercourse.
PrEP may help to protect people who have had anal or vaginal sex in the past six months and:
• Have a sexual partner who has HIV (especially if they have an unknown or detectable viral load)
• Have not consistently used a condom
• Have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease in the past six months
You must take a HIV test to confirm you're not already HIV positive before taking PrEP.
How does PrEP work?
If you're at risk of being exposed to HIV, PrEP can stop the virus from taking hold. When taken regularly, PrEP remains in the bloodstream and protects the CD4 cells that are affected by HIV. By building a wall around these cells, HIV is unable to reproduce and spread throughout your body.
PrEP should only be used as part of an overall HIV infection prevention strategy, including the use of other HIV prevention measures, such as:
• Consistent and correct condom use
• Knowledge of HIV status
• Regular testing for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
How effective is PrEP?
When taken daily as prescribed, PrEP can reduce the risk of getting HIV by at least 90%.
PrEP isn't a treatment for HIV and cannot protect you against other STIs. Because protection against HIV isn’t guaranteed, and to guard against other STIs, you should use a condom for best protection.
Does PrEP have any side effects?
There may be side effects from taking PrEP. These can include diarrhoea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain. These symptoms will normally decrease over time.
If you experience any side effects that are severe, or don't go away, you should speak to your GP.
Is PrEP suitable for me?
If you think PrEP may be suitable for you, speak to a doctor or nurse at your local sexual health clinic. PrEP is available free of charge in England if it’s suitable for you. Please check with your local sexual health clinic if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
The Boots Online Doctor HIV PREP service offers treatment, where appropriate following a short online consultation to assess suitability.*
