Getting PrEP is simpler than most people expect. Here is what you need to know.

Key points

• • PrEP is a medicine that HIV negative people take to prevent HIV, and it is highly effective when taken as prescribed.
  • Daily PrEP needs 7 days of doses before it gives full protection.
  • You will need an HIV test and a few other tests before starting, then every three months.
  • PrEP is subsidised on the PBS and can be prescribed by a GP.
    
    

What is PrEP?

PrEP stands for pre exposure prophylaxis. It is a tablet containing two HIV medicines, taken by people who do not have HIV to stop them getting it. When it is taken as prescribed, it is one of the most effective HIV prevention tools available.

PrEP protects against HIV only. It does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy, so condoms still have a role, and regular STI testing is part of being on PrEP.

Who might benefit from PrEP?

PrEP is for anyone who has a higher chance of coming into contact with HIV, regardless of gender or sexuality. That might include people who have sex without condoms with partners whose HIV status they do not know, people with a partner living with HIV who is not yet undetectable, people who have recently had an STI, and people who have needed PEP, the emergency HIV medicine, in the past.

If you are not sure whether PrEP is right for you, that is a good conversation to have with your GP or a sexual health clinic. You do not need to have every answer before you ask.

How do I take PrEP?

Most people take PrEP as one tablet every day. It takes 7 days of daily doses to reach full protection, and if you decide to stop, you should keep taking it for 7 days after your last possible exposure.

Some people assigned male at birth can use an on demand approach instead, sometimes called 2 1 1 dosing. This means two tablets between 2 and 24 hours before sex, then one tablet 24 hours later and another 48 hours later. It is not suitable for everyone, including people taking gender affirming hormones or people with hepatitis B, so your prescriber will help you choose the right option.

What tests will I need?

Before you start, you will need a test to confirm you do not have HIV, along with tests for kidney function, hepatitis B and C, and other STIs. These tests are repeated every three months while you are on PrEP, which is why scripts are usually written three months at a time.

The hepatitis B test is especially important. The medicines in PrEP also act on hepatitis B, so if you have hepatitis B, stopping PrEP suddenly can cause a flare. Most people have few or no side effects. Mild nausea, headache or tiredness in the first few weeks usually settles on its own.

How do I get PrEP?

Any GP can prescribe PrEP, and sexual health clinics can too. If you have a Medicare card, PrEP is subsidised on the PBS, so you pay the standard PBS copayment. If you do not have Medicare, a sexual health clinic can talk you through other options.

What if I think I have already been exposed?

PrEP will not help after an exposure if you are not already taking it. Instead, you need PEP, which stands for post exposure prophylaxis. PEP must be started within 72 hours of the exposure, and the sooner the better. Go to a sexual health clinic or your nearest emergency department straight away.

How Ace can help

Once you have a script, Ace can dispense your PrEP and deliver it to you, so staying on track between three monthly check ups is easy. Our pharmacists can also answer questions about dosing, missed doses and side effects. Get started with Ace.

References

ASHM Health. PrEP dosing guide 2025.

ASHM Health. Australian PrEP guidelines.

healthdirect. HIV infection and AIDS.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Talk to your GP or a sexual health clinic about whether PrEP is right for you.