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What is PrEP?

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It’s a medication that people who are HIV-negative can take to dramatically reduce the chance of getting HIV if they’re exposed to the virus whether from sex or injection drug use. PrEP works best when taken as prescribed and with regular health check-ins. A negative HIV status is confirmed before starting and is recommended during PrEP use.

How it helps

The drugs in PrEP block HIV from making copies of itself, so exposure doesn’t lead to infection. Protection increases with consistent daily use and proper medical follow-up.

Daily oral PrEP (pills you take every day)
Long-acting injectable PrEP Injections given periodically (e.g., every two months after an initial phase) can be an option for some people who prefer not to take a daily pill.
Other prevention methods – Non-daily methods and emerging options (e.g., vaginal rings) exist in some regions.

Who should consider PrEP?

People who are HIV-negative and at substantial risk of exposure, including:

  • Partners living with HIV or of unknown status
    • People who do not consistently use condoms
    • People who use injection drugs
    • People in areas or networks with higher HIV prevalence
    • PrEP can be used independently of a partner’s involvement and can be important in contexts of intimate partner violence or when condom use isn’t possible.