What is PrEP?
PrEP is the use of antiretroviral drugs, taken by HIV negative people to prevent HIV infection. PrEP stands for pre exposure prophylaxis and is an exciting new tool that will play a vital role in our efforts to end HIV in NSW by 2020. Unlike post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) which is taken after a potential exposure to HIV, PrEP is taken on an ongoing basis and provides protection against HIV. Studies from around the world have shown that if PrEP is taken daily it prevents HIV in advance to any potential exposure.
Is PrEP for you?
There are now a variety of ways that you can choose to stay safe when having sex. Choosing a strategy that suits you and your personal circumstances is crucial. Whether you choose to use condoms, take PrEP or reply on treatment as prevention, it is important that your choice is an informed one.
PrEP is recommended for people who are at high risk of acquiring HIV. Clinical guidelines stipulate that PrEP should be prescribed to HIV negative people who are at an ongoing risk of acquiring HIV. These people might be gay or other same-sex attracted to men who do not always use condoms with casual partners when having anal sex. In NSW, you can find out more about how to access PrEP through the EPIC-NSW study. You must be HIV negative and a HIV test should always be performed before you start taking PrEP.
The Australian Society of HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) have posted the Australian National PrEP guidelines and these are available on the ASHM website.
For more information on importing medicines for personal use see the Australian Governments Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website.
Services available at these locations
Coffs Harbour Health Campus
345 Pacific Hwy
Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Phone 02 6656 7865
Kempsey Community Health
West Kempsey NSW 2440
Phone 02 6561 2790
Port Macquarie Community Health
Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Phone 02 6588 2750
Grafton Community Health Centre
Grafton NSW 2460
Phone 02 6641 8712