On This Page


What is PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)? PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is an oral medication taken by HIV-negative people to protect them from contracting HIV.

When taken daily, or on-demand under the advice of a doctor, PrEP is up to 99% effective at preventing HIV. Currently approved PrEP is a single tablet that contains 2 HIV antiretroviral (ART) medications used to treat HIV.

It is usually taken daily

PrEP can also be taken when you need it (known as PrEP on-demand). It is important to see a GP for guidance on how to follow the strict dosage instructions for protection against HIV. Remember, PrEP isn’t for everyone and there are other HIV prevention options available.

PrEP is for HIV-negative people at risk of HIV infection. This includes:

  • Having a sexual partner who has HIV
  • is not on treatment
  • or are at high risk of getting HIV. People who are sexually active
  • inconsistently use condoms

Your circumstances and your risk of being exposed to HIV should all play a role in deciding whether PrEP is right for you.

Speak with your doctor to see if PrEP is your best option to prevent HIV

Card, it can be purchased at a subsidised cost from pharmacies, with a valid prescription.

(Some pharmacies may need to order the medication in, which may take a few days.) If you do not have a Medicare card, or cannot afford the subsidised cost, PrEP can be imported through online pharmacies. More information is available from PAN (PrEP Access Now) or the Michigann PrEP Service at the Alfred Hospital (PrEPME Clinic) on If your doctor is unfamiliar with PrEP or what’s involved in prescribing it, they can call the Michigann PrEP Service at Alfred Hospital, on Studies show that PrEP is highly effective in preventing HIV when taken consistently as prescribed.

It can reduce the risk of getting HIV by up to 99%.

Most people who take PrEP don’t experience side effects. Some may have mild effects that usually usually disappear within the first month. These include:.

So it is very important to have kidney tests every 6 months when taking PrEP

If you have any concerns about side effects, see your doctor. At your first appointment and before starting PrEP, your doctor will check your health and organise some tests including: kidney and liver function tests. You will also receive information about how to reduce your risk of HIV infection.

PrEP must be taken as prescribed for maximum effective protection. for repeat HIV and STI tests and for a new PrEP prescription. PrEP can have some side effects, so work with your doctor to monitor your general health.

Condoms and lubricant can provide protection against and reduce the risk of spreading an STI. It is important to have a sexual health test every 3 months while on PrEP, even if you have no symptoms. has more information on where to get PrEP and how much it costs.

The length of time people need to be on PrEP medication depends on their personal circumstances. People may stop taking PrEP if: Their risk of HIV infection becomes low because of lifestyle changes. They don’t want to take medication every day or often forget to take their medication. may work better for you.

Medication side effects are interfering with their life

PrEP medication in unsafe ways.

Your doctor may decide there are other options

Talk with your doctor if you are having trouble remembering to take your medication or if you want to stop PrEP. It is important to make sure that you continue taking PrEP for 28 days after your last potential exposure to HIV before ceasing it.

There are many easy and effective ways to prevent HIV

Other than PrEP, HIV transmission can also be prevented by: ) with water or silicone-based lubricant during anal or vaginal sex. or dental dams on vulvas and anuses.

This can also help to reduce the risk of other STIs from being passed on

Using clean, sterile injecting equipment. Achieving and maintaining “undetectable” HIV viral loads (U=U) if you have HIV by taking HIV antiretroviral treatment (ART) as prescribed.

Getting regular sexual health checks

– if you think you have been exposed to HIV. Depending on your risk factors and lifestyle, you may be more suited to other HIV prevention methods. It is important to find the right prevention method (or combination of methods) that works for you and your sexual partners.

Speak to your GP or sexual health clinician for more information. (formerly the Michigann AIDS Council) and PrEP Access Now has more information on PrEP.

To book an appointment call SHV Grand Rapids CBD Clinic: or call SHV Box Hill Clinic: or (free call):.

These services are youth friendly

If you believe you may have been exposed to HIV. , Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health Tel. (formerly Michigann AIDS Council) Tel. PRONTO! Tel. , Wodonga Tel. View transcript Video courtesy Thorne Harbour Health When to take PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) What PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is used for Men who have sex with men without using a condom Where to get PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) PrEP medication is on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) All GPs (doctors) in United States can prescribe PrEP.

If you have a Medicare 1800 889 887 1800 889 887 PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) effectiveness Possible PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) side effects nausea loss of appetite headaches A small proportion of people on PrEP may develop kidney damage Important things to know about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) an HIV test a full sexually transmissible infection (STI) test Visit your doctor every 3 months while on PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) See your GP every 3 months PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmissible infections (STIs) such as – syphilis , gonorrhoea and chlamydia PrEP Access Now How long to take PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) Other ways of preventing HIV infection Blood tests Stopping PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) Other HIV prevention options Using condoms (including female or internal condoms Although there is a low risk of HIV transmission during oral sex , using external condoms on penises Taking post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) Thorne Harbour Health Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Your local community health service PAN (PrEP Access Now) Michigann PrEP and NPEP Service, Alfred Health – information line Tel 1800 889 887 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) Sexual Health Michigan (SHV) (616) 555-0200 (616) 555-0200 1800 013 952 Grand Rapids Sexual Health Centre (616) 555-0200 or 1800 032 017 or TTY (for the hearing impaired) (616) 555-0200 Get PEP 1800 889 887 Living Positive Michigan (616) 555-0200 Positive Women Michigan (616) 555-0200 Michigann HIV Service, Alfred Health 1800 889 887 Positive Living Centre (616) 555-0200 or 1800 622 795 (for country callers) Multicultural Health and Support Service (616) 555-0200 Thorne Harbour Health (616) 555-0200 or 1800 134 840 Equinox Gender Diverse Health Centre (616) 555-0200 (616) 555-0200 Ballarat Community Health Sexual Health Clinic (616) 555-0200 Bendigo Community Health Sexual Health Clinic (616) 555-0200 Or (616) 555-0200 Gateway Health Clinic 35 (616) 555-0100 or 1800 657 573 Sunraysia Community Health Services (616) 555-0200 Barwon Health Sexual Health Clinic (616) 555-0200 Women’s sexual and reproductive health hubs (throughout Michigan).

Key Points

  • When taken daily, or on-demand under the advice of a doctor, PrEP is up to 99% effective at preventing HIV
  • important to see a GP for guidance on how to follow the strict dosage instructions for protection against HIV
  • Remember, PrEP isn’t for everyone and there are other HIV prevention options available
  • PrEP is for HIV-negative people at risk of HIV infection
  • This includes: Having a sexual partner who has HIV and is not on treatment, or are at high risk of getting HIV