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PrEP Medications

What is PrEP?

 Pre exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a preventive HIV treatment designed for people who may be at increased risk of exposure to the virus. It involves taking antiviral medication before potential exposure to help reduce the risk of HIV infection through sexual contact or intravenous drug use.

PrEP contains the active ingredients tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and emtricitabine (FTC), which work by preventing the HIV virus from replicating and establishing a permanent infection in the body.

When taken consistently, prescription PrEP medication is highly effective, reducing the risk of HIV transmission through sexual contact by around 99% and through injection drug use by approximately 74%.

Please speak with a healthcare professional to determine whether pre exposure prophylaxis medication may be suitable for your needs.

What is the difference between PrEP and PEP?

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is taken before potential exposure to HIV and is designed for ongoing use for people at high risk of HIV. PrEP requires consistent daily use for maximum effectiveness.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PeP) is an emergency use medicine taken after potential exposure to HIV during a high risk event such as unprotected event or needle sharing. PeP must be started within 72 hours of exposure and taken continuously for 28 days hence.

When should I start taking PrEP?

You should consider starting PrEP if you are at ongoing risk of HIV exposure. The right timing depends on your personal risk factors, sexual activity, and exposure history.

PrEP may be recommended for people who:

  • have an HIV positive partner
  • have recently had an STI
  • have multiple sexual partners
  • share intravenous needles
  • may be at increased risk of HIV exposure through unprotected sex

If taking Truvada, most people are advised to begin treatment at least 7 days before potential HIV exposure for maximum effectiveness. Some dosing schedules may provide faster protection when taken under medical guidance.

Please speak with a healthcare professional about when and how to start prep meds for HIV to ensure safe and effective protection. The cost of pre exposure prophylaxis medication may vary depending on the treatment plan, prescription type, and whether branded or generic options are selected.

How does PrEP work?

Pre exposure prophylaxis hiv medication works by using antiviral medicines like disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine to stop the HIV lifecycle. These medicines stop the HIV from entering the cells and replicating. Without replication, HIV cannot establish a hold in the body, cannot replicate and therefore cannot establish a hold.

When taken effectivley, PrEP reduces the risk of HIV transmission by sexual intercourse by around 99% and the risk of HIV transmission through injection drug use by 71%.

Do I need to get tested to take PrEP?

In most cases you will need to get tested before taking pre exposure prophylaxis medications to ensure maximal HIV prevention.

PrEP is only effective for HIV negative people, and you must test negative for HIV before starting the medication otherwise it can lead to drug resistance.

Other tests include kidney function tests as PrEP medications can affect kidneys, hepatitis B or C screening as PrEP can help treat them. It’s also important to test for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) to address one’s overall sexual health.

To ensure continued good health, it’s important to test for HIV every 3 months while on PrEP and kidney functions every 6 months or as recommended by your provider.

Please consult your healthcare provider on the frequency and type of testing required when taking PrEP.

How to take PrEP

The most common prep hiv medication is a pill made by the combination of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine. It is essential to take this medication correctly to effectively prevent HIV.pre-exposure prophylaxis prep hiv pill

The daily dose of PrEP is recommended for most people to ensure consistent levels of medicine in the bloodstream, regardless of frequency of sexual activity, to protect against Sexullay Transmitted Infections (STI’s).

The on-demand version of PrEP is approved in the UK for use of Gay/Bisexual men. It is recommended to be taken 2-24 hours before sexual activity and one pill daily until 48 hours after last sexual activity.

While on PrEP meds, its important to take it consistently for maximum effectiveness. It is also important to note that PrEP becomes effective 7 days after daily use for anal sex and only becomes effective after 21 days of continuous daily use for vaginal sex or injection drug use.

Please also remember to get tested for HIV every 3 months while on PrEP pills, and have your kidney function monitored every 6 months.

Finally, please note that PrEP medicines do not protect against other sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy and that it is essential to use other forms of protection while on PrEP.

Can you get PrEP over the counter?

Pre exposure prophylaxis PrEP pills are not available Over The Counter (OTC) and you will need a prescription form a suitably qualified healthcare professional to obtain access to this medicine.

Prescriptions are required for safe and effective use as you will need to get tested for HIV and good kidney function before starting PrEP and regularly while on PrEP.

PrEP side effects

Pre-exposure prophylaxis medication are generally considered safe and well tolerated. However, like most medicines, some people may experience side effects while taking treatment.

Most reactions are mild and improve as the body adjusts to the medication.

Common Side Effects Less Common but More Serious Side Effects
Nausea Reduced kidney function
Headache Reduced bone mineral density
Fatigue Liver problems
Diarrhoea Severe allergic reactions
Weight loss Lactic acid build up (very rare)

Regular monitoring is important while taking pre-exposure prophylaxis prep HIV medication, particularly for kidney health and bone density. Healthcare providers may recommend routine blood tests and follow up appointments to ensure treatment remains safe and effective.

If you experience severe allergic reactions, jaundice, dark urine, breathing difficulties, or persistent symptoms, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Is it safe to take PrEP for HIV?

PrEp is generally considered a safe and effective, and widely used preventive measure against HIV.

The more common side effects of PrEP are mild and disappear with continued use as the body adjusts to the medication.

The rarer side effects such as reduction in kidney function or bone mineral density is regularly monitored while on PrEP through testing by your healthcare provider. Stopping PrEp usually reverses these effects.

Generally PrEP is considered a safe and effective medication against HIV, however please consult with your healthcare provider whether PrEP is safe for you to use.

How Much Does PrEP Cost in the UK and What Affects Pricing?

Understanding the cost of pre exposure prophylaxis PrEP pills is key for long-term access and planning. While prep medication used to be expensive, especially when first introduced, more affordable generic versions have significantly reduced the price in the UK.prep pills hiv

Here’s what influences the cost of pre-exposure prophylaxis medications:

  • Type of prescription: branded vs. generic
  • Length of treatment: whether taken daily or on-demand
  • Online vs. in-clinic purchase: online platforms like Meds for Less offer competitive rates and discreet delivery
  • Consultation requirement: whether a clinician’s review is included

At Meds for Less, you can buy prep meds for HIV with quick prescription approval and home delivery — ideal for users who prioritise both safety and convenience.

Travel Considerations for PrEP Users

If you’re planning international travel and currently taking PrEP meds, a few important precautions can ensure continuous protection:

  • Stock up: Make sure you pack enough prep pills for your entire trip plus a few extra days
  • Time zones: Try to take your HIV prep meds at the same time each day — adjust gradually across time zones
  • Customs: Carry a copy of your prescription, especially if your destination has strict medication import rules
  • Testing: Plan your regular HIV and kidney tests around travel if possible

Whether you’re heading abroad for work or leisure, you can rely on pre exposure prophylaxis HIV medication from Meds for Less to stay protected — with full online support from our pharmacy team.

What are the different types of PrEP?

There are several different classications of PrEP depending on ingredients, method of administration and the dosing schedule.A

The two main medicines involved in Prep are:

  • Truvada (containing the active ingredients Tenofovir Disproxil Fumarate and Emtricitabine) is approved for use in all genders and is taken as a daily pill. It is widely effective at reducing HIV contraction through sexual transmission or use of a needle.
  • Descovy (contains the active ingredients Alafenamide and Emtricitabine) and is also taken as a daily pill. However it is not as effective as Truvada for protecting HIV through transmission by vaginal sex.

At Meds For Less, we have a generic version of PrEP that contains the same ingredients as Truvada, the same effectiveness and same safety profile.

There are also injectable versions of PrEP available, please consult your healthcare provider about the use of these.

PrEP can be taken via a daily dosing schedule, and this method is most effective at providing consistent protection against HIV. Daily dosing allows protection against HIV after 7 days of daily use and protects against HIV transmission by vaginal sex after 21 days of daily use.

PrEP can also be taken “on-demand” for emergency situations. “On Demand” PrEP is taken only around the time of sexual activity; it is suitable for men who engage in sexual activity with other men. 

It can be taken as 2 pills at least 2-4 hours before sex, followed by 1 pill daily if sexual activity continues and 1 pill daily for 48 hours after sexual activity ends.

How does PrEP medication work?

PrEP medications work by using antiviral medications to stop HIV from establishing a permanent hold in the body if exposed.

HIV targets a type of T immune cell and uses these cells to replicate and spread throughout the whole body.

The medicines in PrEP (Tenofovir and Emtricitabine) work by interfering with the virus’s ability to replicate. By stopping HIV replication at an early stage, PrEP ensures the virus cannot establish a foothold in the body or cause a long-term infection.

PrEP is 99% effective against HIV by sexual transmission and 74% effective against HIV transmission by needle injection.

Who should consider taking PrEP?

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis medications (PrEP) is reccomended for individuals who are at high risk for acquiring HIV.

People from high risk groups can include:

  • Men who have sex with other men
  1. Especially if they engage in condomless anal sex
  2. Especially if there are multiple sexual partners
  3. Especially if they recently have had a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)
  • Heterosexual men or women who are HIV negative but have a HIV positive partner or engage in condomless sex with a partner whose HIV status is unknown.
  • People who inject IV drugs by sharing needles or other drug injection equipment
  • People with recent or frequent STIs
  • People who engage in commercial sex work

Please speak to your healthcare professional to discuss prospective sexual activity, the risk of transmission of HIV and the need for PrEP.

How effective is PrEP?

Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective at preventing HIV when taken correctly and consistently.

PrEP is 99% effective against the acquisition of HIV by sexual transmission (including anal and vaginal sex).

It is 74% effective against the acquisition of HIV through the use of injections and needle sharing. Protection against HIV increases with consistent PrEP use.

How can I get PrEP?

Prescription PrEP pills can be bought on Meds for Less easily and reliably as well. Simply fill out our confidential form stating your needs, symptoms and request. This will be reviewed by our in house doctor who will then authorise your prescription, allowing for quick and effective delivery to your house within 24 hours.

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