PrEP and PEP

PrEP

PrEP is a treatment you can take to reduce your chance of getting HIV from sex.

When taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces your risk of HIV by up to 99%.

PrEP is recommended for anyone that is having sex and may be at risk of HIV. It is available free on the NHS.

At axess sexual health, we recommend PrEP if any of the following apply to you:

• You have more than one sexual partner and do not use condoms
• You do not know the HIV status of your partners and do not use condoms
• You have had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as gonorrhoea or syphilis in the last year
• Your partner comes from a country with high rates of HIV
• You exchange sex for money, shelter or another reason
• You or your partner inject drugs
• Your partner is living with HIV but is not yet established on medication
• Any other reason where you feel PrEP may benefit you in having a fulfilling sex life.

Remember:

• You can safely use PrEP with contraception
• PrEP is safe to use during pregnancy
• There is no evidence to suggest that PrEP reduces fertility in men or women
• PrEP is available to anyone, no matter what your gender is.

PEP

PEP is a treatment which can stop you from getting HIV. It must be taken as soon as possible after you have been exposed to HIV.

It can be taken up to 72 hours after sex without a condom. PEP is free and you can get it from axess sexual health clinics.

If you have had sex without a condom in 72 hours with someone at high risk of HIV, you can walk in to an axess clinic during our opening times.

This means you do not need an appointment to get PEP. If we are closed and you have been exposed to HIV, you must go straight to A&E.

The sooner you start taking PEP, the more likely it is to stop you from getting HIV.

It is very important you follow the instructions for taking PEP. You need to take PEP for 28 days, without skipping or missing a dose. If you forget to take your medication, you can still take it within 24 hours. Take the dose as soon as you remember.

Your clinician will tell you how to take PEP correctly.

Remember:

• PEP is safe to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• There may be side effects from PEP during the first few days of taking it, such as nausea, headaches or tiredness, but these should be mild
• You should advise your clinician if you are taking any other medication so you can take PEP safely.

Injectable PrEP

Cabetogravir (injectable PrEP) is available on the NHS for people who cannot take oral PrEP. This includes:

• People who cannot swallow or absorb tablets
• People who have not been able to take their PrEP medication as prescribed
• People who are unable to take oral tablets due to social or personal circumstances.

Injectable PrEP is completely free on the NHS.

You will receive your first two shots of injectable PrEP one month apart. After that, you’ll receive one shot every two months (six times a year).

Click here to book a free PrEP consultation.