Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a course of HIV drugs taken before sex to reduce the risk of getting HIV. It is taken as a tablet either once a day or as part of an event-based dosing regime, and research suggests that if it is taken either every day or event-based as directed, it is very effective in preventing HIV transmission.

PrEP is intended for people who are at high risk of getting HIV. This includes people with a partner who is HIV positive and not on effective treatment or those who have multiple sexual partners and find it hard to use condoms. This is different to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which is taken AFTER a potential exposure to HIV.

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In the UK, PrEP isn't currently available through the NHS on prescription. From 2017, Public Health England and NHS England will be conducting a PrEP Impact Trial for 10,000 people. To keep up-to-date with this trial, visit the Prepster or iwantPrEPnow websites, or the official PrEP Impact Trial website.

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However, it is legal to buy a generic version of PrEP for personal use, sourced from outside of the European Union.

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Before considering buying and starting to take PrEP, you must first have an HIV test to make sure you have not already got the virus. PrEP will not work as a preventative medication if you already have HIV.