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Key points

  • Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) involves HIV-negative people taking antiretroviral drugs to lower their risk of HIV infection. Several studies have shown it to be effective as long as the drugs are taken regularly.

  • Concerns about potential problems with side-effects, drug resistance and sexual behaviour change have not been borne out. PrEP users say it provides an 'extra layer of protection' and 'peace of mind'.

  • While PrEP has been most often studied as a daily pill, alternative dosing schedules (before and after sex) and alternative products (vaginal rings, injections, etc.) may be possible.
  • Although PrEP is more expensive than other HIV prevention methods, it is likely to be cost-effective as long as provision is prioritised for individuals at increased risk of HIV infection.
  • Until an NHS policy on PrEP is decided, the only people able to access PrEP in the UK are the 544 gay men taking part in the PROUD study. It’s unclear whether PrEP will be made available to heterosexuals.

Further reading

Baeten J and Grant R Use of Antiretrovirals for HIV Prevention: What Do We Know and What Don’t We Know? Current HIV/AIDS Reports, 10(2):142-51, 2013. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23494772

Rivet Amico K and Stirratt MJ Adherence to Preexposure Prophylaxis: Current, Emerging, and Anticipated Bases of Evidence. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 59 (suppl 1): S55-S60, 2014. http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/59/suppl_1/S55.full

Gomez GB et al. The Cost and Impact of Scaling Up Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention: A Systematic Review of Cost-Effectiveness Modelling Studies. PLOS Medicine, 10(3): e1001401, 2013. http://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1001401#s4

Liu A et al. Early Experiences Implementing Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV Prevention in San Francisco. PLOS Medicine, 11(3): e1001613, 2014.http://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1001613

Feustel N The PROUD study. [video]. https://vimeo.com/132412294

PrEP

Published July 2015

Last reviewed July 2015

Next review July 2018

This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.
Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.