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PrEP (Generic Truvada)

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PrEP for HIV 200mg/245mg film-coated tablets
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Patient Reviews: How PrEP (Generic Truvada) Has Made a Difference

Treatment Information

Table of contents:

What is PrEP (Generic Truvada) used for?

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of contracting HIV in HIV-negative persons who are at a greater risk of contracting the virus.

In studies, PrEP is over 90% effective at preventing HIV transmission in HIV-negative persons when used correctly.

Your dosage of PrEP may change based on how frequently you have sex and how far in advance you plan on having sex. You should discuss this with your doctor to find the most effective method of taking PrEP for you.

You don't need to take PrEP for the rest of your life. You only need to take it while your risk of contracting HIV remains high. Those in a monogamous relationship do not need to take PrEP.

You can get PrEP online from Prescription Doctor's trusted online pharmacy. All medicines are dispatched from a UK pharmacy in discreet packaging to ensure your privacy is protected.

How does PrEP work?

The two ingredients of PrEP (Tenofovir and Emtricitabine) inhibit an enzyme needed by HIV to develop and replicate. As a result, the chances of becoming infected with HIV are greatly reduced.

When taken daily, PrEP can reduce the risk of HIV transmission via sex by more than 90% transmission and via injectable drug use by up to 70%.

Please note that PrEP does not protect against other unwanted sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis. Condoms should be used every time you have sex while using PrEP to prevent the spread of other STDs.

While PrEP can reduce the risk of contracting the virus, it does not treat those who are already HIV positive.

Before using PrEP, it is important to know your HIV status by taking a HIV blood test.

While taking PrEP, it is important to get tested for HIV regularly to ensure that you remain HIV-negative.

Taking PrEP while HIV positive may reduce the effectiveness of HIV treatments later on.

Who can take PrEP?

PrEP is for those who have an increased risk of contracting HIV, including:

  • Men who have sex with men (gay and bisexual men)
  • Cisgender women who have sex with men who have sex with men
  • Transgender women
  • People who have unprotected sex with persons who have lived or travelled in areas with a high prevalence of HIV
  • People who inject drugs and share equipment used to take recreational drugs
  • People who have sex with people who inject drugs and share equipment used to take drugs

HIV can be transmitted through semen, vaginal fluids, blood (including menstrual blood) and anal fluids. It is important to always practise safe sex and use condoms to prevent the spread of HIV and other STIs.

The eligibility criteria may vary depending on your location. Your doctor will be able to determine whether you are at an increased risk of HIV and provide further information on ways to protect yourself from contracting the virus.

PrEP is not necessary if you are in a monogamous relationship with someone who is HIV positive but has an undetectable viral load.

PrEP for men

Men at an increased risk of HIV include:

  • Men who have sex with men (gay and bisexual men).
  • Men with an HIV-positive partner or whose partner's HIV status is not known.
  • Men with multiple partners.
  • Men whose partner has multiple partners.

Safe sex should be practised to prevent the spread of STIs, including HIV.

Men who engage in unprotected receptive anal sex are at a higher risk of contracting HIV than those who do not. Cuts in the mouth or anus (anal fissure) can also increase your risk of contracting the virus during unprotected sex. The NHS recommend wearing condoms every time you have sex, and using a water-based lubricant during anal sex to prevent damage to the skin.

PrEP has been tested to be safe in men. No adverse effects on male fertility have been noticed in men taking PrEP short-term or long-term.

PrEP for women

Women at an increased risk of HIV include:

  • Women who have sex with bisexual men and transgender women.
  • Women with an HIV-positive partner or whose partner's HIV status is not known.
  • Women with multiple partners.
  • Women whose partner has multiple partners.

It is important to always practise safe sex by using condoms to prevent STIs and unwanted pregnancies. The NHS recommend using water-based lubricants to prevent friction which may lead to anal or vaginal tearing, and prevent condoms from breaking.

PrEP does not affect fertility in females or interact with hormonal contraceptive pills. Moreover, PrEP is safe to take by women who are trying to conceive, are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are planning on having a baby while taking PrEP, it is important to speak to your doctor for further advice on reducing your risk of getting HIV.

It is important for women to undergo regular testing for HIV, especially during pregnancy, to ensure they remain HIV-negative while taking PrEP.

PrEP for transgender women

Transgender women at an increased risk of HIV include:

  • Transgender women who have unprotected sex with bisexual and transgender men.
  • Transgender women with an HIV-positive partner or whose partner's status is not known.
  • Transgender women with multiple partners.
  • Transgender women whose partner has multiple partners.

For transgender women, the NHS recommend using water-based lubricants to prevent friction during anal and vaginal sex, which might cause tearing of the skin or condoms. This also further reduces the risk of getting HIV and other STIs.

PrEP does not interact with hormone replacement therapy being used by transgender women and is not known to affect fertility. If you are concerned about taking PrEP while taking feminising hormones, speak to your doctor.

How to take PrEP

There are two ways of taking PrEP, though, for most people, it is recommended to take PrEP once a day to prevent HIV.

Daily dosing

PrEP should be taken once daily to reduce the risk of contracting HIV.

Take one pill at the same time every day, accompanied by a glass of water. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, you can crush them and mix them with 100ml of water or juice, then drink them immediately.

This medicine is effective after 7 days of consecutive daily use.

Missing a dose of PrEP may increase your risk of contracting HIV.

On-demand PrEP

You can also take PrEP on-demand during a time when you believe you will be exposed to the virus. On-demand PrEP is taken in the following order:

  • Take two tablets between 2 and 24 hours before you plan on having sex.
  • Take one tablet 24 hours after having sex.
  • Then take another tablet 24 hours after that (48 hours after sex).

Further information on dosing

Consult with your doctor to determine the most suitable PrEP dosing regimen for you. Depending on the risk involved, one method may be preferable over another.

PrEP side effects

All medications carry the risk of side effects. Always read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medication. Only take medicine as prescribed.

You can view the patient information leaflet for PrEP online.

Some common side effects of PrEP include:

  • Headache
  • Diarrhoea
  • Dizziness
  • Sleeping problems
  • Back pain

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of PrEP can be found in the patient information leaflet, which comes enclosed with your medication.

If you experience any side effects after taking PrEP, regardless of whether they are listed above or in the patient information leaflet, please inform your doctor immediately.

If you experience dizziness as a result of taking PrEP, avoid driving or using machinery until you feel safe to do so.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, suspect you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, or you are breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before taking this PrEP.

PrEP is not a form of contraception and does not prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Women taking PrEP should use contraception to avoid pregnancy.

Other cautions

Always read the patient information leaflet that accompanies your treatment before starting PrEP.

Please inform our doctor of any medicines you are currently taking, including those prescribed or

While PrEP is effective at preventing HIV, it does not protect you against other sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia or syphilis.

Always practise safe sex while taking PrEP by using condoms every time you have sex.

Do not use PrEP past the expiry date printed on the packaging. The date refers to the last day of the specified month. For example, "EXP: 03/2025" means the 31st of March 2025.

Never throw away medicine via household or water waste. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to your pharmacy and ask them to dispose of it safely on your behalf.

Always store medicine out of sight and out of reach of children and pets.

Never share your medicine with anybody else, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms or have the same condition as you.

Knowing Your HIV Status with PrEP

When it comes to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), knowing your HIV status holds significant importance. While PrEP is highly effective in preventing HIV transmission when used correctly, it is not foolproof. That's why regular HIV testing is essential, empowering you to make informed decisions about your sexual health.

By knowing your HIV status, you can confidently continue taking PrEP if you test negative, knowing that you are protected from acquiring the virus. It serves as a vital tool for monitoring your health and detecting any potential signs of HIV infection at an early stage.

Testing for HIV while on PrEP is critical for identifying breakthrough infections, albeit rare. Although PrEP significantly reduces the risk, there is a small possibility of acquiring HIV due to factors like inconsistent medication adherence or drug interactions. Timely detection of a breakthrough infection enables immediate medical intervention and adjustment of treatment plans, thereby ensuring optimal health outcomes.

Moreover, being aware of your HIV status empowers you to take control of your sexual health and engage in open conversations with your healthcare provider. Regular testing and discussions about your PrEP regimen help establish a comprehensive care plan that addresses your concerns and questions, ensuring a personalised approach to your care. It also opens doors to additional support and resources tailored to your specific needs.

Remember, integrating regular HIV testing into your healthcare routine is crucial, especially if you are using PrEP. It empowers you to make informed decisions, safeguards your well-being, and ensures a proactive approach to your sexual health. Take charge of your health and embrace the power of knowing your HIV status with PrEP. For convenient and reliable HIV self-testing options, explore our range of OraQuick HIV Self-Test Kits.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I forget to take PrEP?

If you forget to take PrEP, take it as soon as you remember.

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time.

Do not take more PrEP to make up for a missed dose.

What should I do if I accidentally take too much PrEP?

If you accidentally take too much PrEP, consult your doctor or visit your nearest emergency department for assistance.

Keep the bottle with you so that the doctors know what you've taken.

Can you drink alcohol while taking PrEP?

Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of side effects, such as nausea. It is recommended to avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol while taking PrEP.

Is PrEP safer than condoms?

While PrEP is effective at preventing HIV infections, it does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea, syphilis or chlamydia. Therefore, condoms should be used to reduce the risk of getting other sexually transmitted infections.

Moreover, PrEP is not a contraceptive option and does not prevent pregnancy. You should use another form of birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking PrEP.

How long do I have to take PrEP for it to become effective?

Currently, it is not clear exactly how long PrEP takes to work. There have been studies which have shown PrEP to reach its peak efficacy in the blood at 20 days. Other studies have shown PrEP to be effective after 7 days of consecutive use.

Are HIV and AIDS the same?

No, HIV and AIDS are not the same.

HIV is the name of the transmissible virus.

AIDS is a collection of complications and other diseases which occur when HIV is left to damage the body long-term without treatment.

People with AIDS can still carry and pass on HIV, but AIDS is a non-communicable disease which cannot be passed on.

Is PrEP the same as PEP?

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is not the same as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).

PrEP is used to prevent HIV before potential exposure to the virus, while PEP is used to prevent HIV within 72 hours after potential exposure to the virus.

PrEP and PEP are not interchangeable and should not be used interchangeably. For further information on how to use PrEP and PEP safely, speak to your doctor.

Neither PrEP nor PEP can protect you against other STIs or unwanted pregnancies. It is important to always wear a condom during sex to prevent the spread of STIs.

Where can I get PrEP online in the UK?

You can order PrEP online from our UK-registered pharmacy, Prescription Doctor.

Complete our brief online consultation, and one of our prescribers will review it. If your order is approved before 3pm on a weekday, our pharmacy will dispense and dispatch your item in discreet packaging the same day.

Additional resources

Buy PrEP Online UK

What are the symptoms of HIV?

How much does PrEP cost per month?

What Is PeEP? 

Additional Resources

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What are the symptoms of HIV?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that infects the cells of your immune system, typically over a prolonged period. It leaves your body unable to fight off everyday infections and diseases. HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids, which include blood, semen, vaginal and anal fluids, as well as breast milk but cannot be transmitted through saliva, sweat or urine. According to NHS, the most common cause of contracting HIV infection in the UK is unprotected vaginal or anal sex.What are the symptoms of HIV?Before trying to establish the symptoms of HIV, it is important to get an idea of how the virus comes about and progresses. According to the NHS, two to six weeks after contracting the HIV infection, a person may experience a short flu-like illness, which usually lasts for a week or two. The surprising thing is that when these symptoms subside, a person can feel well for a considerable period. HIV may not cause any more symptoms to appear for many years, during which the virus continues to damage a person’s immune system all the while. This is the reason why many people with HIV don’t know they are infected until much later.If left untreated, HIV can progress through a series of stages, from initial flu-like seroconversion illness to late-stage HIV or AIDS. A seroconversion illness is defined as a short, one- or two-week illness during which people may experience symptoms such as fever, sore throat, or body rash. There are several symptoms of HIV, which usually vary from person to person and also depend on what stage the disease is at.Below are the three stages an HIV-infected person passes through, as well as some symptoms they may experience:Stage 1: Acute HIV InfectionThis stage is characterised by the flu-like seroconversion illness previously discussed. This is the body’s natural reaction to the HIV infection. Within two to four weeks of being infected with HIV, around two-thirds of people will experience these flu-like symptoms, which might present as:FeverNight sweatsChillsSwollen lymph nodesRashFatigueMouth ulcersMuscle achesThese symptoms typically last for one to two weeks. Some people may not experience any symptoms at all during this initial stage of HIV.Stage 2: Clinical LatencyThis stage is also known as chronic HIV infection. During this phase, the virus remains active but multiplies at a slow rate, at very low levels. People infected at this stage may not experience any symptoms or feel unwell. If a person is not undergoing any HIV treatment, then this stage can last for 10 to 15 years, although some people may move through this stage faster than others.During this clinical latency stage, HIV can still be transmitted to other people if a person has a detectable viral load. Viral load is defined as the amount of HIV in the blood. People who are taking proper HIV medication and have an undetectable viral load are less likely to transmit the virus to others. At the end of this stage, a person’s viral load begins to increase. As this happens, a person may begin to experience other symptoms as the virus levels increase in the body and infection progresses to stage 3.Stage 3: AIDSAIDS (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is the last and most severe stage of HIV infection. At this stage, the body’s immune system is so badly weakened that a person can catch a number of severe illnesses such as pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB) and cancer.It's a common misconception that AIDS is transmittable. It's important to understand that HIV and AIDS are not the same. HIV refers to the virus which progresses to AIDS, while AIDS refers to the symptoms which develop when HIV is not treated. However, a person with AIDS can still carry and pass on HIV to other people.Symptoms of AIDS include:Recurring FeverNight sweatsRapid weight lossExtreme tirednessDiarrhoea lasting for more than a weekThrush in the mouthProlonged swollen glands in the armpit, neck or groinAn increase in cold sore outbreaksRed, brown or purple blotches on or under the skin or inside the nose, mouth or eyelidsMemory lossDepression or other neurological disorders.Certain groups of people are advised to have regular HIV tests as they are at greater risk of contracting this virus. These include Black African heterosexuals, men who have sex with other men, as well as people who share syringes or other types of injecting equipment. The most important thing to remember is that proper HIV medication can enable a person to stay healthy and live a normal lifespan.The sooner a person seeks medical advice and gets tested for HIV if they suspect they might have been exposed to the virus, the better chance they have of managing it.SourcesTerrence Higgins TrustHIV.govNHS
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What are the symptoms of HIV?
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Buy PrEP Online UK

PrEP, or Pre-exposure Prophylaxis, is a prescription medication taken to reduce the risk of getting HIV infection. It reduces the risk of contracting the virus in HIV-negative people who are at an increased risk of getting HIV if exposed to the virus.PrEP can prevent the virus from taking hold by protecting the body’s immune system and stopping the virus from spreading to other cells in the body. Currently, the PrEP medication is a combination of two anti-HIV drugs, namely tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine, which are sold in the form of a single pill called Truvada.How does PrEP work against HIV?PrEP works against HIV by stopping the virus from multiplying and taking over your body’s immune system. The combination of the two anti-HIV drugs in PrEP protects the T cells in your body, which the HIV attacks.Tenofovir - Tenofovir blocks an enzyme called HIV reverse transcriptase (NRTI), preventing the virus from multiplying and reducing its presence in the body.Emtricitabine - Emtricitabine is another type of nucleoside reverse transcriptase (NRTI), which prevents HIV from creating copies of itself.Without the enzyme, the virus cannot spread effectively throughout the body to cause infection. Thus, the chances of becoming infected with HIV while taking PrEP are significantly reduced.PrEP thus helps you before you’re infected by preventing the virus from taking root and spreading in your body. This means that if you correctly took the once-daily PrEP medication and were exposed to HIV, for example, during sexual intercourse, there will be high levels of anti-HIV drugs in your system to prevent you from contracting the virus.How effective is PrEP against HIV?PrEP is highly effective if it is used correctly and consistently as prescribed. It reduces the risk of contracting HIV from sex by more than 90%. For people who inject drugs, it also reduces the risk of them getting HIV by more than 70%.PrEP does not need to be taken throughout your lifetime. People can take PrEP if they think their current lifestyle puts them at an increased risk of contracting HIV. PrEP should be taken once a day for as long as a person thinks they have a high risk of getting HIV, or for as long as recommended by their healthcare provider.It is also important to understand that PrEP is not effective immediately after the first pill is taken. PrEP should be taken every single day for at least 7 days for it to work effectively for HIV prevention.It is also important to note that PrEP does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and does not prevent unwanted pregnancies. Condoms should be used every time you have sex, in addition to using PrEP, to reduce your risk of getting other STIs.Moreover, when you take PrEP, you will need to go to a clinic every three months for routine check-ups. You will also need to be tested for HIV before starting PrEP and then routinely tested while you take PrEP. PrEP will only be beneficial for you if you are HIV-negative.Read more: What are the symptoms of HIV?If you are already HIV-positive, then taking PrEP may increase the possibility of developing drug resistance, which would make the HIV treatment ineffective.Are you eligible to take PrEP?If you are presently HIV-negative but have a high risk of contracting the virus, you are considered eligible to take PrEP. You are considered to be at high risk of contracting HIV if you:Share needles or other equipment used to inject drugsHave unprotected sex with someone who injects drugsAre a man who has sex with other men (MSM)Are a woman who has unprotected sex with men who have sex with men (MSM)Are transgender or have sex with transgender personsHave multiple partners or a partner with multiple sexual partnersHave a sexual partner whose HIV status is unknownRecently had a sexually transmitted infection (STI)Further information about the risk of HIV from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention can be found here.Is PrEP safe?Like with any other medications, some people taking PrEP may experience side effects like nausea, headaches, dizziness, diarrhoea or sleeping problems. However, these side effects are not serious and typically subside over time.If you are taking PrEP and are bothered by any side effects which don’t seem to go away, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider.“No significant health effects have been seen in people who are HIV-negative and have taken PrEP for up to 5 years.” ~ hiv.govPrEP is also safe to use alongside any hormonal contraception as well as during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or if you are trying to conceive. However, you should always consult your doctor before taking any new medication if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, are planning on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding, to determine whether it is safe for you to take PrEP.How do you get PrEP?If you think that you are eligible to take PrEP, you should visit your doctor or local sexual health clinic, as PrEP is only available by prescription. To get the free PrEP from the new NHS service in local sexual health clinics, you will need to meet their eligibility criteria. You will also initially have to undergo HIV testing, among other tests, to determine whether it is safe for you to use PrEP.Alternatively, you can buy PrEP online discreetly from trusted online UK pharmacies such as Prescription Doctor. The benefits of buying PrEP online include privacy, fast delivery of your medication and the convenience of getting the treatment you need on the go.
Read more →
Buy PrEP Online UK
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How much does PrEP cost per month?

What is Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and what is it used for?Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP is a combination pill containing two antiretroviral medicines (used to treat HIV). PrEP is taken as a protective medicine by people who are HIV negative and want to reduce their risk of getting HIV.The two medicines in PrEP are Tenofovir Disoproxil and Emtricitabine. They belong to a group of drugs used to treat HIV infection. Even though these medicines do not cure HIV, they work by entering the immune cells of the body and preventing the HIV pathogens from multiplying and damaging other cells in the body.Who is PrEP for?PrEP is for people who have a higher risk of getting HIV and would like to protect themselves against HIV infection. Some examples of people in high-risk groups for getting HIV are:Sex workersIV drug usersMen who have sex with men (MSM)Transgender people who have sex with menPeople who have casual sex partners and do not know their HIV statusPeople who have sexual partners from countries with a high HIV prevalenceIs PrEP available on the NHS?Over the last three years, PrEP has been available on the NHS in some regions as part of a clinical trial, where you must first meet the eligibility criteria. There were approximately 200 approved sexual health clinics for PrEP trial recruitment across several regions in England. The trial closed recruitment in July 2020, and funding for a new free PrEP service on the NHS began in October 2020.The new free PrEP service means that, from October 2020, most people will have general access to free PrEP from their local sexual health clinics, as long as they meet the new criteria. Under the new NHS PrEP service, to be eligible for free PrEP, you should be over 16 years old and match any of the following criteria:You are HIV negative but had unprotected sex in the last 3 months and are likely to do so again in the next 3 monthsYou are HIV negative and are likely to have sex with an HIV positive person(s) with a detectable viral loadYou do not currently know your HIV status, but you are sexually active and are likely to be in a high-risk group for getting HIV.You will also be tested for HIV and other STIs, and have other blood tests to check your kidney function, each time you go to the sexual health clinic to get more PrEP.As the new NHS service only just started in October 2020, it is unlikely that all sexual health clinics in England will already be set up for this service, so you may be put on a waiting list while they get up to speed with the new NHS PrEP service.If PrEP is not yet available in your local sexual health clinic on the NHS, you can still buy it legally from private clinics or online pharmacies.If you are considering buying PrEP privately, consult your doctor first.Why should I speak to my doctor before starting PrEP?Before starting PrEP, it is essential to consult with your doctor, who will assess your risk and help you stay safe and healthy while taking PrEP. During your visit, a few things your doctor would like to know are:All your health conditions.If you use condoms during sex, you can get free condoms.The number of sexual partners you have, past and current.All medicines you are currently taking - you can check out medicines that could interact with PrEP here.Your doctor would also be able to provide information on:How to lower your risk of getting HIV.Common side effects of PrEP and what to do if you experience them.The effectiveness of PrEP.Regular testing for HIV and STIs, including where and when to get tested.The importance of blood tests to check your kidney function before and during treatment with PrEP.What is the cost of PrEP?The total cost of taking PrEP involves the cost of PrEP tablets, the cost of regular HIV/STI tests and blood tests to monitor your kidney function, and the cost of additional protection to lower your risk of getting HIV.Although the NHS has recently started providing free PrEP after the success of their 3-year PrEP trial, not all sexual health clinics in England are fully set up for the service yet, so you may have to be on a waiting list before you can get the free PrEP. Additionally, to receive the free NHS PrEP, you must meet their eligibility criteria.If you would like to obtain PrEP quickly and discreetly, you can choose to purchase PrEP online from a private, UK-regulated pharmacy like Prescription Doctor at a cost. You can buy PrEP online from Prescription Doctor, where a month’s supply of PrEP, which is 30 tablets, costs £49.95. The benefits of buying PrEP online include privacy, fast delivery of your medication and the convenience of getting the treatment you need on the go.It is also important to be regularly tested for HIV (about once every 3 months) to make sure you remain HIV negative while taking PrEP. This is because HIV positive people who continue taking PrEP may develop resistance to the medicines used to treat HIV in the long run, making it difficult to treat them.HIV testing is available from local sexual health clinics and some GP surgeries. Alternatively, you can purchase STI test kits privately from Prescription Doctor online.Test kits bought online are just as accurate as those you would get from a sexual health clinic. Home testing kits make the process quick and easy. Provide the required sample(s), complete the provided documentation, and post it to the laboratory using the pre-paid envelope. Your results will be made available through a secure online portal.While studies have shown that PrEP is effective at reducing the risk of getting HIV, it does not offer protection from other STIs like syphilis, gonorrhoea or chlamydia, so it is recommended to use additional forms of protection like condoms. You can get free condoms on the NHS from your local GP services, or buy condoms online or in-store.
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How much does PrEP cost per month?
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What Is PeEP?

PrEP, or Pre-exposure Prophylaxis, is a prescription medication taken to reduce the risk of getting HIV infection. It reduces the risk of contracting the virus in HIV-negative people who are at an increased risk of getting HIV if exposed to the virus.PrEP can prevent the virus from taking hold by protecting the body’s immune system and stopping the virus from spreading to other cells in the body. Currently, the PrEP medication is a combination of two anti-HIV drugs, namely tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine, which are sold in the form of a single pill called Truvada.How does PrEP work against HIV?PrEP works against HIV by stopping the virus from multiplying and taking over your body’s immune system. The combination of the two anti-HIV drugs in PrEP protects the T cells in your body, which the HIV attacks.Tenofovir - Tenofovir blocks an enzyme called HIV reverse transcriptase (NRTI), preventing the virus from multiplying and reducing its presence in the body.Emtricitabine - Emtricitabine is another type of nucleoside reverse transcriptase (NRTI), which prevents HIV from creating copies of itself.Without the enzyme, the virus cannot spread effectively throughout the body to cause infection. Thus, the chances of becoming infected with HIV while taking PrEP are significantly reduced.PrEP thus helps you before you’re infected by preventing the virus from taking root and spreading in your body. This means that if you correctly took the once-daily PrEP medication and were exposed to HIV, for example, during sexual intercourse, there will be high levels of anti-HIV drugs in your system to prevent you from contracting the virus.How effective is PrEP against HIV?PrEP is highly effective if it is used correctly and consistently as prescribed. It reduces the risk of contracting HIV from sex by more than 90%. For people who inject drugs, it also reduces the risk of them getting HIV by more than 70%.PrEP does not need to be taken throughout your lifetime. People can take PrEP if they think their current lifestyle puts them at an increased risk of contracting HIV. PrEP should be taken once a day for as long as a person thinks they have a high risk of getting HIV, or for as long as recommended by their healthcare provider.It is also important to understand that PrEP is not effective immediately after the first pill is taken. PrEP should be taken every single day for at least 7 days for it to work effectively for HIV prevention.It is also important to note that PrEP does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and does not prevent unwanted pregnancies. Condoms should be used every time you have sex, in addition to using PrEP, to reduce your risk of getting other STIs.Moreover, when you take PrEP, you will need to go to a clinic every three months for routine check-ups. You will also need to be tested for HIV before starting PrEP and then routinely tested while you take PrEP. PrEP will only be beneficial for you if you are HIV-negative.Read more: What are the symptoms of HIV?If you are already HIV-positive, then taking PrEP may increase the possibility of developing drug resistance, which would make the HIV treatment ineffective.Are you eligible to take PrEP?If you are presently HIV-negative but have a high risk of contracting the virus, you are considered eligible to take PrEP. You are considered to be at high risk of contracting HIV if you:Share needles or other equipment used to inject drugsHave unprotected sex with someone who injects drugsAre a man who has sex with other men (MSM)Are a woman who has unprotected sex with men who have sex with men (MSM)Are transgender or have sex with transgender personsHave multiple partners or a partner with multiple sexual partnersHave a sexual partner whose HIV status is unknownRecently had a sexually transmitted infection (STI)Further information about the risk of HIV from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention can be found here.Is PrEP safe?Like with any other medications, some people taking PrEP may experience side effects like nausea, headaches, dizziness, diarrhoea or sleeping problems. However, these side effects are not serious and typically subside over time.If you are taking PrEP and are bothered by any side effects which don’t seem to go away, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider.“No significant health effects have been seen in people who are HIV-negative and have taken PrEP for up to 5 years.” ~ hiv.govPrEP is also safe to use alongside any hormonal contraception as well as during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or if you are trying to conceive. However, you should always consult your doctor before taking any new medication if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, are planning on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding, to determine whether it is safe for you to take PrEP.How do you get PrEP?If you think that you are eligible to take PrEP, you should visit your doctor or local sexual health clinic, as PrEP is only available by prescription. To get the free PrEP from the new NHS service in local sexual health clinics, you will need to meet their eligibility criteria. You will also initially have to undergo HIV testing, among other tests, to determine whether it is safe for you to use PrEP.Alternatively, you can buy PrEP online discreetly from trusted online UK pharmacies such as Prescription Doctor. The benefits of buying PrEP online include privacy, fast delivery of your medication and the convenience of getting the treatment you need on the go.
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What Is PeEP?

Treatment information

  • Product Name: PrEP
  • Active Ingredient(s): Tenofovir and Emtricitabine
  • Administration: Oral
  • Presentation: Tablets
  • Exemption: Prescription Only Medicine
  • Application: Men and women who are HIV negative and have an increased risk of exposure to the virus
  • Dosage: Take once daily
  • Description: PrEP minimises the risk of contracting HIV in at-risk persons
  • Drug Class: Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)
  • Alcohol Consumption: May experience more side effects like nausea
  • When Pregnant: Speak to your doctor for advice if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, before taking PrEP.
  • When Breastfeeding: Speak to your doctor for advice if you are breastfeeding, before taking PrEP.
  • Price: 24.99 GBP
  • https://www.prescriptiondoctor.com/storage/product_images_th/prep_0.jpg
Click here to view the PrEP (Generic Truvada) - Patient Information Leaflet

Authored By

Mohamed Imran

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist
Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Published on: 17/09/2018

Reviewed By

Dr Giuseppe Aragona

Dr Giuseppe Aragona

Doctor
Dr. Giuseppe utilises his extensive experience in general practice to ensure the accuracy and safety of the website's content.

Reviewed on: 13/03/2024
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