In clinical trials PrEP has been proven to be very effective protection against HIV when used in these two ways:
taken daily, or
only taken when needed (two tablets 2-24 hours before sex, one tablet 24 hours and 48 hours after sex). This is known as ‘event-based dosing’.
If you are thinking of buying your PrEP online, it is important you attend your local sexual health clinic for regular health checks and STI screens, as PrEP does not protect you from other STIs.
Although PrEP is a very safe medication with very few side effects, some (particularly older) men need to keep a close eye on their liver (renal) function, and in some cases lower their PrEP dose to event-based.
Find out more about PrEP on I want PrEP now.