This information is for anyone who has a vagina, no matter who you have sex with. We’ll show you how to take PrEP which stands for “pre-exposure prophylaxis”; a pill that protects you against HIV.

PrEP is for people who are HIV negative.

To get protection from PrEP, you need to start with 2 pills at once. This is called a double dose. Take them between 2 and 24 hours before sex. This will get the medicine into your body so it can protect you.

There are 2 ways to take PrEP.

Daily dosing is good for if people have sex regularly, and don’t plan. Here’s how it works:

• Start with 2 pills (your double dose), between 2 and 24 hours before
• Then take 1 pill every day, around the same
• Keep taking a pill every day while you’re sexually
• After your last sex, keep taking PrEP for 7 more

For example: If you’re planning to have sex at 9pm on Friday, take your double dose anytime

between 9pm on Thursday and 7pm on Friday. Then take 1 pill every day, around the same time, and keep going for 7 days after you last have sex.

By taking daily PrEP, you’re always protected against HIV, even is sex happens unexpectedly. No need to plan around pills once you’re in a routine.

If you have sex less often, or you usually plan ahead, event-based PrEP (also called 2:7 dosing) might be better for you. Here’s how it works:

• Start with 2 pills (your double dose), between 2 and 24 hours before
• Take 1 pill for 7 days after

Here is an example: If you’re having sex at 7pm on Saturday, take your double dose at least 2 hours before (between 7pm on Friday and 5pm on Saturday). Then take 1 pill every day for 7 days after sex.

PrEP does not protect you against other sexually transmitted infections or prevent pregnancy.

What if I miss my double dose?

Take it as soon as possible, especially within the first 24 hours after sex. Continue to take 1 pill daily whilst sexually active, and for 7 days after sex has stopped.

If you need advice, please call Leeds Sexual Health.

If we are closed, take 2 pills as soon as possible after sex (within 72 hours) and seek help from the Emergency department. You may be given post-exposure prophylaxis (PEPSE).