Book OnlinePrEP is an acronym that stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.
It can be used as part of a HIV protection strategy, which involves a tablet and regular blood tests. It is prescribed to a person who is HIV negative to prevent the risk of HIV infection.
Before prescribing your GP will assess a number of health factors including your kidney function and bone density, test for STI’s and you will be required to have a check up every three months.
Who is PrEP for?
PrEP is recommended for people who are considered to be high risk for HIV.
This may include you if you are:
- A sexually active gay or bisexual man
- Transgender person
- Heterosexual person with a HIV positive partner
How does it work
PrEP is administered in tablet form and contains two anti-retroviral drugs (emtricitabine and tenofovir).
Studies have shown that if you take PrEP every day it reduces you risk of HIV infection by 99% and you need to have taken it for at least a week (7 days) before any potential exposure to HIV.
PrEP can be taken in a number of different ways depending on your circumstances these include; daily, on-demand or periodic.
How to access PrEP
Any GP or Doctor is able to prescribe PrEP, Our resident PrEP Dr. is Dr Duke Gordon.
If you are an Australian resident with a current Medicare card you can access PrEP subsidised by the Australian Government through the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS). If you do not hold a Medicare card you are still able to access PrEP and you can find out more information how here
What is the difference between PEP and PrEP
PEP (Post exposure prophylaxis) is taken after HIV to reduce the risk of infection where as at least the first dose (preferably a 7 doses) of PrEP needs to have been taken before HIV exposure.