What are the requirements and considerations before starting / reinitiating PrEP?

A doctor’s prescription or HIV self-test is required before initiating / reinitiating PrEP.
Global guidelines recommend PrEP users take an HIV, liver and renal test every 6 months.
PrEP does not interfere with contraceptives or any other STI preventive medication.

On-Demand PrEP
On-demand PrEP, also called the “2-1-1 method,” is taken only before and after sex. It works well if your sexual risk is occasional and you can plan ahead. This method gives you flexibility without the need for daily pills, but timing is important to stay protected. Below is an illustration on how to take on-demand PrEP:

What is the difference in composition between on-demand vs. daily?

Teno-EM, Tenof-EM, and Ricover-EM or commonly known as “Truvada”:
These medicines all contain Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) and Emtricitabine (FTC). They can be used for both daily and on-demand PrEP.

Does taking PrEP interfere with Doxycycline (Doxy-PEP)?

PrEP does not interfere with doxycycline (Doxy-PEP). You can safely take PrEP (either daily or on-demand) together with doxycycline used as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for bacterial STIs like syphilis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea. The two medicines work in different ways and do not reduce each other’s effectiveness.

Does taking PrEP interfere with contraceptive pills?

PrEP does not interfere with contraceptive pills. Studies have shown that PrEP (both TDF/FTC and FTC/TAF formulations) works safely alongside hormonal contraceptives, including birth control pills, injections, implants, and IUDs. Taking PrEP will not reduce the effectiveness of your contraceptives, and contraceptives will not reduce the protection PrEP gives against HIV.

Consult our LGBTQ sexual health doctors to determine the best option for your specific needs.

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