What is PrEP?

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is a medication taken before and after sex to reduce your risk of getting HIV. When taken correctly it’s very effective.  

Who can use PrEP?

Anyone who is HIV negative and over the age 16 can start PrEP. If someone is 13-15 and is deemed particularly at risk, they may also be offered PrEP.

People who are part of certain groups or have sex in networks with higher rates of HIV may particularly benefit from taking PrEP.  You may benefit from taking PrEP if: 

  • you're an HIV-negative man having condomless sex with men, and other people who have sex within these networks
  • your partner comes from a country with high rates of HIV
  • you're a trans or non-binary person and are regularly having condomless sex
  • you’re a sex worker 
  • you or your partner injects drugs
  • your partner is living with HIV and does not regularly take their medication

Starting PrEP

If you want to start PrEP at Outpatients East, please either attend one of our walk ins, or call 020 8970 5724 Monday to Friday between 08.00 to 16.00 to book an appointment. 

Before you start PrEP you’ll need have your bloods taken. This is to test for HIV and any other STIs and to check your kidney function before you start PrEP.  

If you have any known issues with your kidney function, please tell the clinician you’re seeing before starting PrEP.

See our walk in times here

Appointments for current PrEP users

If you’re a current PrEP user and need further supply, please either walk in at our walk in times.

See our walk in times here

How is PrEP taken? 

PrEP is taken as tablets. It can be taken in two different ways: 

  • One tablet taken per day. This is called daily dosing.
  • Taken when needed (two tablets taken 2 to 24 hours before sex, then one tablet for either 2 or 7 days after sex depending on the type of sex you are having). This is called event based, on-demand, or 2-1-1 dosing.

During your clinic appointment, your clinician will assess the best option for you.  They will consider your risk of acquiring HIV, the type of sex you are having and any medical conditions you have.

Are there any side effects?  

Like all medications, there are some side effects to PrEP. Common side effects include: 

  • Feeling sick
  • Diarrhoea 
  • Bloating and indigestion 
  • Headaches  

These symptoms normally go away within the first month, but please return to the clinic if they persist. 

PrEP can affect your kidney function, therefore, we will do a blood test before you start PrEP to test your kidney function either every year or more frequently if you have any risk factors for kidney disease.

PrEP and STIs

It’s important to remember that although PrEP protects against HIV, it does not protect against STIs

To reduce your risk of STIs you can use a condom or other barrier methods while having sex and get every three months. You can get tested at our service or by ordering a free home testing kit with Sexual Health London.