PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)

How PrEP works

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 most commonly used for PrEP is a tablet which contains tenofovir disoproxil 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.

A second pill has been approved for use as PrEP – the branded drug Descovy or its generic equivalent, which is now available on the NHS. It contains tenofovir alafenamide and emtricitabine, sometimes called ‘TAF PrEP’.

Unless you have ongoing kidney issues, osteoporosis or are under 18 you will be prescribed Truvada (the generic version of the drug). Descovy isn’t prescribed for anyone born female as currently there is no research to show it works at prevention HIV taking hold in their body.

A long-acting PrEP injection called cabotegravir is available on the NHS for people who cannot use oral PrEP pills to prevent HIV. The new treatment has been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and will be given to eligible people every two months (six times a year). Cabotegravir is started with a single injection given one month apart for two months, then a single injection given every two months. For those who face challenges with daily PrEP pills, a long-acting injectable option could be life-changing. 

PrEP vaginal rings are used in some parts of the world but are not available in the UK.

Where to get PrEP

PrEP is available free on the NHS in England from sexual health clinics.

In Scotland, PrEP is available through sexual health clinics. Visit the PrEPScot website to find out more information about how to access it.

In Wales, PrEP is available through sexual health clinics. For more information, see PrEP Protects Wales - Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru.

All GUM clinics in Northern Ireland offer initial consultation and assessment appointments for centrally dispensed PrEP.