How you take PrEP depends on how far in advance you plan on having sex and how regularly you have sex, but does not necessarily depend on how much sex you have.

There are two main ways to take PrEP:

Daily PrEP

• Recommended if you want the peace of mind that comes with taking PrEP consistently, without having to plan around sexual activity.
• Take one tablet every day at the same time.
• Suitable for both anal and vaginal sex.
• Missing an occasional dose does not necessarily mean you have lost protection, but taking PrEP consistently is important.

On-Demand PrEP (Event-Based 2-1-1 Dosing)

• May be an option if you can anticipate sexual activity at least 2 hours in advance.
• Take two tablets 2–24 hours before sex, followed by one tablet 24 hours after the first dose and another tablet 24 hours later.
• If sexual activity continues over multiple days, continue taking one tablet every 24 hours and follow the recommended dosing schedule after your last sexual encounter.
• Generally recommended for vaginal sex when protecting the male partner, and for anal sex to protect both partners. It is not recommended for vaginal sex when protecting the female partner.
• It is important to follow the dosing schedule and avoid missing doses.

* PrEP should be taken as part of a comprehensive HIV / STI prevention plan. It is highly effective only if taken as prescribed above, and it is important to get tested regularly for HIV / STIs, monitor side-effects, and obtain new prescriptions (if necessary).

* PrEP does not prevent other STIs, and it is highly encouraged that you maintain the use of condoms to the extent possible. PrEP also does not prevent pregnancy, and contraception should be used to prevent pregnancy if needed.

PrEP only protects you against HIV but not other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis and hepatitis C.

In some cases, PrEP can cause minor side effects like nausea, vomiting, fatigue and dizziness, but these usually disappear over time. In very rare cases, PrEP can also affect kidney functions.

If you’re taking PrEP and experience any side effects that are severe or don’t go away, inform your healthcare professional.

It is essential that you undergo a few tests before or as you start PrEP.

Most importantly, PrEP can only be used if you are HIV negative. If you are already HIV positive and don’t realize it, you could develop resistance to drugs that you will need for treatment.

We highly recommend you to approach your healthcare provider for the following tests before purchasing and using PrEP:

• HIV test (required)
  If your last high-risk exposure was within the last 4 weeks, repeat this test after 4 weeks to make sure an acute or recent HIV infection was not missed out
• Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C tests (required)
• Renal (kidney) function test (optional)
  You should not be taking PrEP if you have existing kidney problems or are taking medication that may affect your kidneys
• Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) screening (optional)

Please visit the PrEP Readiness Check page for more information.

4 weeks after starting on PrEP, the following check-in with your healthcare provider is recommended:

• Repeat HIV test
• Review adherence to daily or on-demand PrEP regimen

Subsequently, it is recommended that you visit your healthcare provider regularly for the following tests while on PrEP:

Test	Frequency
HIV test	Every 3 months
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) screening	Every 3 – 6 months, depending on your sexual risk behaviour
Renal (kidney) function test	Every 6 months
Hepatitis C test	Every 12 months

If you decide to stop PrEP, you should continue taking daily PrEP for 2 days after anal sex and for 7 days after vaginal sex. Subsequently, you should also assess your HIV status with a 4th generation HIV test after stopping PrEP.

Ready to start using PrEP?