HIV PrEP

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (HIV PrEP) is becoming a recognised tool to help prevent HIV infection for those at risk.

It involves HIV negative individuals taking two anti-HIV medications on a daily basis (three medications are usually used to treat HIV) and requires monitoring to check for kidney and liver problems as well as frequent checks for HIV infection.

The medications used are not licensed for HIV PrEP, however there is a growing body of evidence from large randomised controlled trials that they are effective at reducing peoples risk of contracting HIV when taken daily. The use of these drugs as PrEP is supported by guidelines in the USA but not as yet in the UK.

PrEP is not currently funded within the NHS unless part of the PROUD clinical trial which is run from NHS sexual health clinics. If you would like further information on the PROUD study please click here.

PrEP should not be seen as an alternative to using condoms which remain the most effective way of reducing the risk of contracting all sexually transmitted infections including HIV.