What is it?
Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that greatly reduces the risk of getting HIV. PrEP is recommended for people with an ongoing risk of acquiring HIV infection. For example, people who are:
- Having anal or vaginal sex (with no condom) with a partner who is at high risk of having HIV
- Sharing injecting equipment with a person living with HIV
- Having casual high-risk sex, such as: men who have sex with men or having sex with sex workers
If you have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, your doctor will prescribe a different type of medication known as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
What will my GP do now?
If you and your GP determine that you are at a high risk of HIV exposure, your GP will prescribe PrEP. Your GP will need to:
- Confirm you don’t have HIV
- Perform blood tests for other conditions (STIs, viral hepatitis, pregnancy), providing treatment if needed
- Suggest vaccinations for HPV and hepatitis
- Refer you to a specialised sexual health clinic
Your GP may also
- Help you learn how to remember to take your medicine daily
- Discuss any side effects
- Explain how to protect yourself from infections
What can I do?
Take your PrEP medicine daily, as directed by your GP. See your GP regularly for HIV and STI testing.
Work on behaviours that will help you stay safe from infection, for example:
- Using condoms
- Using clean injecting equipment
- Never sharing injecting equipment
- Reducing your number of sexual partners
- Safe handling of sharps
