PrEP (Pre Exposure Prophylaxis) is medication that you can take to stop yourself from getting HIV. You can take it either every day or before and after sex. If you take it correctly, it is extremely effective at stopping HIV infection.
What is PrEP?
PrEP is a medication that you can take to prevent HIV infection. It contains drugs that are commonly used to treat HIV- emtricitabine (FTC) and tenofovir DF (TDF).
Taking PrEP before having sex means that it blocks HIV if it gets into your body, stopping it from infecting you.
Can I take PrEP?
If you are at risk of being exposed to HIV, you should consider taking PrEP. It could also be appropriate for you if condoms are not always used.
For example:
Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.
People in a relationship with a person living with HIV who is not on successful treatment.
Trans people, especially if they are having sex with gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.
If you use some recreational drugs- especiallyChemsex (meth, meph or GHB).
When should I take my PrEP?
PrEP can be taken in two different ways:
One tablet per day.
"Event based PrEP" taken only when needed, as follows:
Two tablets between 2 and 24 hours before sex.
One tablet after sex (24 hours after the first dose).
One tablet 48 hours after the first dose.
If you are struggling to remember to take your PrEP, it's best to pick a time that is convenient for you and stick to a routine. You could keep a diary and mark off each day, or set an alarm on your phone. You could also use a pill box because this is a simple way to way to know if you have missed your meds.
Rough timing is okay. A late "pre" dose provides some protection. For anal sex, four doses every week provides more than 95% protection.
If you are taking PrEP daily, you will still have very high protection if you miss the odd dose.
Note that daily PrEP is the only option for women and trans people who want protection for vaginal sex, or for people who have Hepatitis B.
Where can I get PrEP?
PrEP is available for free from sexual health services
Some people are also ordering generic versions of PrEP online. You can find out more information by clicking here. This resource includes information on where to buy PrEP online from trusted sites (online suppliers where drug testing has confirmed that the meds are genuine).
Generic PrEP costs around £40 for 30 tablets (one month's supply for daily dosing but longer for event-based dosing). Generics contain the same active ingredients as branded meds, but cost 90% less (examples of generics include Ricovir-EM by Mylan and Tenvir-EM by Cipla). Just make sure that they contain both TDF and FTC.
If you are considering buying PrEP online, you will still need to talk to your sexual health clinic. They will give you advice on how to safely take PrEP. They will also help you to get the tests that you need, such as for HIV and kidney function checks. YorsexualHealth can undertake monitoring and testing for those who are taking PrEP bought online.
What tests do I need before/when I'm taking PrEP?
A HIV test. PrEP is only for HIV negative people so you'll need to confirm this before you start taking PrEP.
STI tests, including Hep B. It's good practice to regularly check for other STIs. This needs to include Hep B because PrEP meds suppress Hep B.
Kidney tests. Routine kidney monitoring, from blood or urine is needed to check that your kidney function isn't being affected by PrEP.
Will I be protected from other STIs?
PrEP will not protect you from other STIs (such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis) or an unplanned pregnancy. If you are on PrEP, regular STI testing is recommended.
You can also use condomsin addition to PrEP to protect yourself from other STIs and unplanned pregnancy. Pregnancy can also be prevented by a range of other methods of contraception.
How effective is PrEP?
PrEP is extremely effective at preventing HIV infection if it is taken correctly. This has been shown in major PrEP studies.
If taken incorrectly, PrEP may not work.
Is PrEP safe?
The drugs used in PrEP are the same as those used in HIV medications, taken my thousands of people living with HIV. They have no serious side effects and are very safe.
If you get mild side effects, they can occur for the first week or so, but then they usually stop.
You might experience nausea, headaches and tiredness. In very rare cases, PrEP might affect kidney function. This is why it is important to go for kidney function tests as recommended.
If you forget to take your PrEP and become HIV positive, there is a small risk of resistance to HIV medication. However, this was very rare in the PrEP studies.
Our next walk in cervical screening clinic is at 📍 The Friarage Hospital, Northallerton. We'll be there from 10am - 3pm on Saturday 21st June 2025.
If you're overdue your screening, take this as your sign to come along! You'll need to have received your reminder, which you'll currently get every 3 years between aged 25 and 49, and every 5 years between 50 and 64.
Cervical screening (smear test) is:
✅ Quick – the actual screening is really fast, so you'll be in and out in no time.
✅ Life saving - screening is the best way to protect yourself against cervical cancer.
✅ Easy – just walk in with your NHS number, no appointment needed.
Cervical screening shouldn't be:
❌ Painful - it may be a bit uncomfortable, but there's adjustments that can be made to ensure it's a positive experience.
❌ Embarrassing - our team are highly experienced, and have done hundreds of screenings. We don't care what you look like, if you missed your last wax, or if your tan is patchy. We'll just be pleased to see you.
If you can't make this walk in clinic, follow us for information on the next one, or if you'd prefer to attend on a set date and time, call us on 01904 721111 to book an appointment.
💉Weight Loss Injections and Contraception 💉
The MHRA have issued a reminder to women who are using weight loss injections that they must use effective contraception while taking these medicines and, in some cases, for up to two months between stopping the medicine and trying to get pregnant.
These medicines must not be taken during pregnancy, while trying to get pregnant, or during breastfeeding. Anyone who gets pregnant while using them should speak to their healthcare professional and stop the medicine as soon as possible. This is because there is not enough safety data to know whether taking the medicine could cause harm to the baby.
Your local pharmacy, GP, and sexual health clinic can advise you on contraception, and help you start or switch to your preferred method. If you live in York or North Yorkshire and would like to attend YorSexual Health, visit our website www.yorsexualhealth.org.uk for latest clinic times across the region.
