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Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

Banner PrEP: preventing HIV

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a preventative treatment for HIV. It is taken before an exposure to HIV, for example during sexual intercourse. PrEP is for seronegative people, it prevents HIV from taking hold in the body and reproducing (multiplying).

Who can take PrEP?​

PrEP can be prescribed to anyone who is seronegative, but it especially for those who are the most exposed to HIV:

  • men who have sex with men;
  • people from regions where the HIV epidemic is prevalent;
  • sex workers;
  • people in vulnerable situations who have risky sexual behaviours;
  • partners of people living with HIV who have not attained an undetectable viral load;
  • people who consume drugs by injection and share injection materials.

How to get PrEP​

PrEP can be prescribed by any general/family doctor, a hospital practitionner or at a CeGIDD. The first appointments and PrEP are entirely covered by social security (Assurance Maladie). However, the follow-up tests are not totally covered. To not have to pay, it is recommended to go to a CeGIDD or an infectious diseases department at a hospital.

warning

It is highly recommended to be prescribed PrEP by a doctor who is used to doing so and who knows the necessary follow-ups. This is not the case of all doctors, many do not necessarily know what PrEP is. The CeDIDD is one of the best ressources.

How to take PrEP​

There are two ways to take PrEP:

  • continuous PrEP:
    • a pill every day at the same time over a certain period. Protection is optimal after 7 days of treatment for anal sex and 21 days for vaginal sex.
  • On-demand PrEP:
    • 2 pills between 24 and 2 hours before sex;
    • one pill 24 hours after the first dose;
    • one last pill 24 hours after the second dose.
    • if sex continues, continue to take a pill every 24 hours and add two doses (24 hours apart) after the end of sex before ending the treatment.

What to do if you forget to take PrEP​

It depends on the situation:

  • Up to 2 hours late: no impact.
  • Up to 12 hours late:
    • Continuous PrEP: uninterrupted for at least 7 days: no impact.
    • Other situation: go to the emergency room or to a CeGIDD as soon as possible to get Post-Exposure Prohylaxis (PEP). If you take continuous PrEP, you must restart the protocol from the beginning. Optimal protection will be obtained after 7 days.