We are pleased to announce that PrEP is now available free of charge from our clinic for anyone who is eligible.

What is PrEP?

PrEP (Pre Exposure Prophylaxis) is a pill that can prevent the person taking it from getting HIV. It is started BEFORE sex and is continued after sex to protect against HIV infection.

The drugs used in PrEP include some of the same ones used to treat people who have HIV and are very safe to use.

PrEP can be taken in two different ways:

• Daily: most people who use PrEP take a pill every day
• Event Based: Cis men who know ahead of when they are going to have sex can take two tablets 2-24 hours before sex, then one tablet 24 hours later, and a further tablet 24 hours after that. If having sex for more than one day in a row, then a tablet must be taken every 24 hours until there have been two days without having had sex.

Cis women and trans people are advised to take PrEP daily

See some useful videos below on how to take PrEP

Who is eligible for PrEP

Not everyone can or will want to use PrEP. Most commonly people who are eligible for PrEP include:

• Gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men
• People from communities with higher rates of HIV
• Those in a relationship with someone who is HIV positive and not on effective treatment
• Trans people, particularly those having sex with gay and bisexual men

It’s important to remember that PrEP only prevents HIV and cannot prevent other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or pregnancy.

Correct condom use can still help prevent some other STIs, along with other forms of contraception which can prevent pregnancy.

Regular STI screening is important to help diagnose and treat other STIs.

If you would be interested in accessing PrEP or for more information please contact us on 0114 226 8888 to arrange a face to face appointment in clinic.

How to take PrEP

56 Dean Street have produced these useful videos with information on the different ways a person might look to take PrEP

Daily Dosing

Event Based Dosing (suitable for anal sex only)

Quick starting PrEP for anal sex

What to do if you miss a dose of PrEP

If you forget to take PrEP before sex, take a double dose as soon as possible after sex (ideally within 2 hours of sex) and call Sexual Health Sheffield on tel: 0114 226 8888 for advice. If we are closed or it is a weekend, take the double dose, go to A&E at the Northern General Hospital to request PEPSE, and then call Sexual Health Sheffield as soon as possible after.