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.
Hepatitis C is a virus that can affect the liver. It's spread through blood-to-blood contact. Early detection is really important in preventing serious complications.
You can get Hepatitis C:
💉 From a needlestick injury, or by sharing needles
👂🏼 From having an unlicensed piercing or tattoo
🩸 If you had a blood transfusion before 1996
💘 Through unprotected sex, if blood was drawn by both parties
🪒 By sharing a razor or toothbrush that could have blood on
🏥 If you have medical or dental treatment abroad.
In partnership with Humber Health, we'll be offering Hepatitis C testing at 📍Monkgate Health Centre, York on Monday 28th April between 3pm and 6pm. Booking is not required, so just come along on the day. You'll receive a £5 voucher as a thank you 🙏🏼
We're back with another walk in cervical screening clinic in📍Scarborough.
Did you know that alongside our bookable cervical screening appointments, we also run walk in clinics every few months? We're here to help make getting your screening as quick and easy as possible. All you need to do is:
1️⃣ Check your menstrual cycle - it's best not to have your screening when you're on your period, or in the two days before you start.
2️⃣ Pop the date in your diary and let us know if you plan on attending by following this link so we can make sure we have plenty of staff available - https://forms.office.com/e/qQ06JBNutS
3️⃣ Come along to our Northway clinic on the day with your NHS number. You can find a walk-through of how to find us on our socials.
If you'd prefer to book your appointment, simply call our central bookings team on 01904 721111 and they'll be pleased to help you find a day/time/location that suits you better.
Cervical screening (smear test) is the best way to protect yourself against cervical cancer. It's quick and although a little uncomfortable, it shouldn't be painful. Our team are highly experienced and will do all they can to ensure you have a positive experience. If you're due or overdue your screening, we look forward to seeing you next week!
