What is pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)?

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a novel HIV-prevention strategy that would use antiretrovirals (ARVs) to protect HIV-negative people from HIV infection. In this strategy, people would take the medications before they were exposed to HIV, in the hope that it would lower their risk of infection.

As their names suggest, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are very similar. They both use anti-HIV drugs (antiretrovirals or ARVs) to prevent an HIV infection establishing itself, but PrEP would be used before, rather than after, exposure or possible exposure to HIV.

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 It may have been superseded by more recent developments.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 It may have been superseded by more recent developments.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.