PrEP is suitable for anyone at higher risk of acquiring HIV. It is especially recommended for:

• Men who have sex with men (MSM)

• Transgender and gender-diverse people

• Heterosexual people with an HIV-positive partner who has a detectable viral load

• People who share injecting equipment

• People who have sex with multiple partners without consistently using condoms

If you think you may be at risk, speak to a healthcare professional to see if PrEP is right for you.

PrEP is a tablet that combines two antiretroviral medications: tenofovir and emtricitabine. It works by protecting your body before potential exposure to HIV.

There are two ways to take PrEP:

• Daily Dosing: Take one tablet every day, at the same time each day. This method is recommended for most people and offers continuous protection.

• On-Demand Dosing: Take two tablets between 2 to 24 hours before potential HIV exposure, followed by one tablet 24 hours later and another tablet 48 hours after the first dose. On-demand dosing is only suitable for men who have sex with men. Your doctor can help you decide if this option is right for you.

PrEP is generally well-tolerated, but like any medication, some people may experience side effects. Common side effects include:

• Nausea

• Diarrhoea

• Reduced appetite

• Headaches

These side effects are usually mild and tend to settle within the first month of starting PrEP.

In rare cases, PrEP can affect kidney function. This is why regular check-ups and monitoring tests are recommended every three months to ensure your kidneys remain healthy and PrEP continues to be safe for you.

If you experience any concerning symptoms, speak to your healthcare provider for further advice.

Getting started on PrEP with SISTR is simple and convenient through telehealth. Here’s how it works:

1. Initial Consult

Book a telehealth appointment with a SISTR doctor. During this session, we’ll:

• Complete a sexual health assessment

• Provide important information about PrEP, STI screening, and other recommended health tests

You’ll then receive a referral for the necessary screening tests.

Once your results are back, we’ll arrange a follow-up telehealth call to review your results and provide you with PrEP.

2. 1- Month Follow Up

Depending on your HIV risk, you may need a follow-up one month after starting PrEP to:

• Repeat an HIV test

• Check for any side effects

• Monitor your overall health

3. Ongoing 3-Monthly Check Ins

While taking PrEP, you’ll need regular follow-ups every three months to:

• Complete STI and health monitoring tests

• Renew PrEP for the next three months

All you have to do is fill in another registration for a PrEP consultation from our website or via our app.

The time it takes for PrEP to become effective depends on how you take it and your biological sex:

• Men on Daily PrEP: Protection starts after taking PrEP daily for 7 days without missing any doses.

• Women on Daily PrEP: Protection starts after taking PrEP daily for at least 20 consecutive days without missing doses.

• Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) Using On-Demand PrEP: You need to take 2 tablets 2 to 24 hours before potential HIV exposure for the medication to be effective.

If you’re unsure which method is right for you, your doctor will guide you on the safest and most effective option.

If you miss a dose of PrEP, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at once to make up for the missed pill. Occasionally missing a dose is unlikely to significantly reduce your protection, but consistently missing doses can lower PrEP’s effectiveness. If you’re finding it hard to remember your daily pill, speak to your doctor for support or to discuss if another dosing option may suit you better.

When you decide to stop taking PrEP, it’s important to follow the correct steps to stay protected:

• For Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM): You should continue taking your daily PrEP for 2 days after your last potential HIV exposure (for example, after your last time having sex).

• For All Other People on Daily PrEP: You should continue taking PrEP for 28 days after your last potential HIV exposure to ensure full protection.

If you’re thinking about stopping PrEP, it’s best to speak with your doctor to make sure it’s safe to do so and to discuss your ongoing HIV prevention options.

PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV, but it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis, gonorrhoea, or chlamydia.

Using condoms is still the best way to reduce the risk of most STIs. Regular STI testing is also essential, even if you don’t have any symptoms, to help keep you and your partners healthy.

Your doctor will recommend regular STI screening as part of your ongoing PrEP care.