What is PrEP?
PrEP stands for (pre-exposure prophylaxis), it is a drug which is taken by HIV-negative people before and after sex, which reduces the risk of them becoming infected with HIV.
How does PrEP work?
Taking PrEP before being exposed to HIV means there’s enough drug inside you to block HIV if it gets into your body.
The medication used for PrEP is a tablet which contains tenofovir and emtricitabine (drugs commonly used to treat HIV). It is sometimes called Truvada but most of the PrEP we use in the UK is generic PrEP.
(above information taken from Terrence Higgins Trust)
Do I need to use condoms if I’m on PrEP?
Yes; you should still use condoms if you’re taking PrEP. PrEP only protects against HIV, so even when you’re taking it, you can still catch other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
Where can I get PrEP?
PrEP is available for free from our sexual health clinics in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. Please contact your local service on 0808 178 0955 (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Telford & Wrekin) or 0300 404 2996 (Shropshire) to discuss PrEP and for an assessment of the suitability of PrEP.
Find out more about PrEP on Terrence Higgins Trust’s website: tht.org.uk/prep