PrEP
Your power to prevent HIV. It’s free, safe, and available to anyone considered by a sexual health clinic or GP to have an HIV prevention need.
What is PrEP?
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medication that protects you from HIV by stopping the virus from taking hold in your body. It contains two antiretroviral drugs—emtricitabine and tenofovir—similar to the treatment used by people living with HIV. But PrEP is for people who are HIV-negative and want to stay that way.
You can take PrEP:
- Daily – one pill every day, ideal if you have sex regularly or want consistent protection.
- Event-based (2-1-1) – two pills 2–24 hours before sex, then one pill 24 hours later, and another 24 hours after that. This method is only recommended for anal sex.
Who can take PrEP?
PrEP is for anyone considered to have an HIV prevention need. That includes but is not limited to:
- People who have sex without condoms
- People with partners living with HIV who are not on effective medication
- People from communities where HIV is more common
- People who inject drugs and share equipment
Discuss with your doctor or at a sexual health clinic whether PrEP is right for you.
How do I get PrEP?
Make an appointment at a sexual health clinic to discuss PrEP. A doctor or nurse there will assess your HIV risk and help you decide if PrEP is right for you. If it is, they’ll prescribe it for free. You’ll need to test negative for HIV before starting, and most clinics will ask you to do a home test before your appointment to speed things up.
We recommend testing with SHL because it’s free, simple and can be done in the comfort and privacy of your home or preferred place. Staff in the clinic are able to access your tests results from the clinician portal so the whole process is simple and synced up.
PrEP or PEP?
PrEP is taken before sex to stop HIV from taking hold. PEP is taken after sex if you think you’ve been exposed. PrEP is a daily pill or event-based dose. PEP is a 28-day course that must start within 72 hours of potential exposure. Both protect against HIV—but timing is everything.
PrEP - delivered
North East London residents can now get PrEP through a fully digital service—no clinic visit needed. The new trial, delivered by Preventx, offers online consultations and discreet delivery by post. It’s designed to make PrEP easier to access for people who’ve faced barriers before, including women and Global Majority communities. This is HIV prevention, made simpler, and it’s a trial of a programme that we hope will soon be rolled out to all Londoners.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I take PrEP?
If you’re taking daily PrEP, take 1 tablet every day, around the same time each day. It’s better to take PrEP with or after food. Wait 7 days after you start taking it before you have sex without a condom.
If you want to start taking daily PrEP but think you may have sex within the first 7 days, take 2 tablets at least 2 hours before you have sex. Then continue to take 1 tablet each day.
There is different guidance for taking PrEP on demand. The NHS has more information on the various ways to take PrEP.
2. Is PrEP safe?
Yes. PrEP is safe for most people and doesn’t interfere with hormones, contraception, or other medications. You’ll have regular check-ups to monitor your health and make sure PrEP is working for you.
3. Are there side effects?
Some people do experience mild side effects when taking PrEP including feeling sick, dizzy, having headaches or trouble sleeping. If you do experience these, they usually pass after the first few weeks.
More serious side effects can include allergic reactions and kidney problems. If you are having an allergic reaction, call 999 immediately. The NHS has additional information about all potential side effects.
4. Can I take PrEP whilst pregnant?
According to NHS and public health guidance, PrEP is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It can help protect both you and your baby from HIV. Your clinic will support you with regular check-ups to make sure PrEP is working well for you throughout your pregnancy.
5. Can I take PrEP and gender affirming hormones?
If you’re taking hormones, you can still take PrEP. There’s no evidence that PrEP interferes with gender-affirming hormone therapy, and you don’t need to change your hormone dose to use it. You can take PrEP daily or on-demand, depending on what works best for your body and your sex life.