PrEP and PEP
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
PrEP is a tablet that can be taken by people who do not currently have HIV. You may be eligible for PrEP if you are at a higher risk of acquiring HIV, for example: men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender people, and those with HIV positive partners.
To ensure maximum protection, take PrEP daily. It can also be taken if you’re having infrequent sex, before and after intercourse. PrEP is extremely effective when taken properly and greatly reduces the risk of HIV transmission.
It’s important that if you’re using PrEP to still have regular sexually transmitted infection (STI) screenings every three months.
If you are interested in finding out more about PrEP, please speak to your local NHS sexual health service as it’s now available for free.
If you are concerned about how the process to accessing PrEP, please take a look at our step-by-step guide:
- Step 1: Contact your local Sexual Health Clinic through our booking line.
- Step 2: Book an appointment at a mutually convenient time slot, Monday-Friday.
- Step 3: Prepare for your appointment. Whilst you are there, you will be asked about your sexual history, medical history and if you are taking any other medications.
- Step 4: Attend your appointment where a doctor will discuss PrEP and do some tests including blood tests to check your eligibility. You will be given a follow-up appointment approximately 2 weeks later.
- Step 5: If you are eligible, PrEP tablets will be supplied free from the clinic at your follow up appointment.
- Step 6: You are normally required to attend every three months for follow up tests where you will receive three more months of PrEP tablets.
Who can take PrEP?
PrEP is for HIV negative people aged 15 years or over. It should be considered for people who may have a higher risk of acquiring HIV, for example: men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender people, those with HIV positive partners, and those who engage in sex with multiple partners where condoms are not readily available.
Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
If you think you have been exposed to HIV following sexual contact, PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) is a course of drugs that can be taken to lower the chance of the HIV virus taking hold.
You will only be given the treatment if doctors decide that you’re at high risk of contracting HIV and it must be taken within 72 hours (ideally within the first 24 hours) of exposure, so it's important not to wait.
You can access PEP for free from sexual health clinics or if it’s ‘out of hours’ PEP can also be accessed from Emergency Departments, including:
Remember that PEP isn't guaranteed to work every time. The best way to keep yourself safe and reduce any chance of becoming infected with HIV is to use condoms.
Condoms are the best way to reduce sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy and we offer a range of free condoms; different sizes, textures and flavours through our discreet postal condom service for Derbyshire and Derby City residents.