PrEP Treatment

Important update: We are very sorry but we are reviewing our PreP service and so cannot fulful any more orders at this time. We apologies for any inconvenience caused. Thank you. Robert, Pharmacist Manager.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis is a way for those at high risk of catching HIV to dramatically decrease their chances of getting the virus. When taken daily, PrEP can reduce the chance of getting HIV by up to 99%.

Important note: You MUST have proof of negative test results for: HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C (in last 3 months) and kidney function (in last 12 months). All tests and products are listed here

Our tests are turned round in 24 hours by Dr's Lab in London so you can expect to get them back 48 hours after posting - we send them to you by email. You can then order the medication immediately.

It is recommended that those at high risk of contracting HIV consider taking PrEP. PrEP currently refers to a pill containing two HIV drugs: tenofovir plus emtricitabine.

When taken correctly, PrEP greatly reduces the risk of HIV sexual transmission.

Oxford Online Pharmacy provides an online consultation with a GMC registered doctor to prescribe PrEP for men, women and non-binary people at high risk of getting HIV. First select your PrEP medication pack size and complete the online doctor's questionnaire. Your details will then be reviewed by the doctor. Once your request is approved we will dispense and post the tablets in discreet packaging your chosen UK address

If your request is not successful you will receive a full refund.

What tests do I need to get PrEP from Oxford Online Pharmacy

So we can prescribe safely you will need proof of the following - you can upload it during the consultation questionnaire or email it to [email protected]

• Negative test results in the last 3 months for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C - tests here
• Kidney function test result in the last 12 months - sometimes called Renal function or GFR - click here to obtain our simple blood test

How PrEP Treatment Can Work For You

The risk of contracting HIV varies depending on a number of different factors. For some, this risk can have a detrimental impact on their lifestyle, confidence and relationships.

If you are at high risk of contracting HIV, PrEP can provide a safe and simple option with a once daily tablet that can decrease risk of HIV by 99%.

When PrEP is taken alongside using condoms, this can also protect against all STIs offering up to 100% protection.

We are able to prescribe PrEP for anyone over 18 who is at high risk of contracting HIV.

To use our PrEP prescription service, you can take an online consultation with a GMC registered doctor. Once the doctor has reviewed your answers, they will either issue your private prescription, ask additional questions to ensure PrEP is the most appropriate option for you or refund your payment if it isn’t suitable. Once your request is approved we will dispense and post the tablets in discreet packaging your chosen UK address. Important note: You MUST have proof of negative test results for: HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C (in last 3 months) and kidney function (in last 12 months). All tests and products are listed here

Should I Take PrEP? 

If you are HIV negative, at high risk of HIV and don’t always use condoms, then PrEP can dramatically reduce your risk of HIV by up to 99%. It can be taken by men, women and non-binary people over the age of 18.

There are additional factors which could put you at high risk of contracting HIV. These include:

• Having a recent STI (especially if it was a rectal infection or syphilis). Get a test here

• Recent need for PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).

• Using recreational drugs used for chemsex (crystal meth, mephedrone and GHB). 

• If your HIV positive partner isn’t currently taking their HIV meds regularly or as prescribed by their doctor.

Who Should Not Take PrEP? 

PrEP should NOT be used by people who are HIV positive. If you are HIV positive and require support or advice, please contact your local sexual health clinic.

PrEP is usually not needed if:

• Your partners are HIV positive and on HIV meds with undetectable viral load. When the viral load is this low, HIV positive people cannot transmit HIV. 

• If you are happy and able to always use condoms. 

• If you don’t use condoms but your partner is low risk

If you are unsure if PrEP is right for you and you do not have HIV, the Oxford Online Pharmacy customer care team are available via phone, live chat and email to answer your questions.

There is more helpful Patient Information from the makers of our PreP tablets Mylan Pharmaceuticals here.

If I Test Negative For HIV But Positive For Hepatitis B or C, or Abnormal Kidney Function, Can I Still Get PrEP?

If you test positive for hepatitis, we will ask that you make an appointment with your GP to refer you to a liver specialist. 

If your test shows abnormal kidney function, you will be asked to do a repeat test to see if it normalises. At this stage, we will recommend that you see your GP for this test as they want to examine you and do further testing, but you can test again with us.

If you require any further testing due to your results, you will not be able to take PrEP until you have clear confirmation that it is suitable for you.

Why Is It Important To Be HIV Negative Before and During PrEP Therapy?

You need to know your HIV status before taking PrEP to make sure it's safe for you to take the drug. This is because PrEP contains 2 types of antiviral drugs which are used in combination with other medications to treat patients who are HIV positive.

Quick and easy at home HIV testing is available via our website here

Using the drugs on their own when you're HIV positive can mean you become resistant to them, which would make treating the infection in the future more difficult. 

PrEP For Women 

Women who are at high risk of HIV can use daily PrEP as a way to stay HIV negative. 

The highest risk for HIV is if you don’t always use condoms with a partner or partners who might be HIV positive. But only if they are either not on treatment or not taking their HIV medicines regularly. 

HIV positive people cannot transmit HIV if they have undetectable viral load on treatment. Get a test here

Other reasons to consider PrEP may be:

• If condom use is difficult or impossible to negotiate. 

• If you are a sex worker, AND If your partner or partners might be at risk of HIV. 

For example: 

• If your partner is from a country where HIV is common. 

• If your partner is bisexual or has other partners. 

• If you have recently migrated to the UK. 

• If you or your partners inject drugs and share injecting equipment

 

Contraception 

It is safe to use PrEP with all hormonal contraception (ring, patch, the pill, or an implant). 

PrEP will not affect your contraception and contraception will not affect PrEP. It is recommended to use condoms while taking PrEP for protection against other STIs.

Pregnancy 

If you are planning a pregnancy or not using contraception, daily PrEP can make sure that you don’t become HIV positive. 

If you know that your partner is HIV positive, it is better for them to be on treatment first. 

If you become pregnant while taking PrEP, please talk to your doctor about whether continuing PrEP will be right for you.

PrEP for Trans and Non-Binary People 

PrEP is safe and effective for people who are transgender or non-binary. 

PrEP is very safe to take alongside hormone treatment, you might worry about medicines interactions but your hormone levels will not be affected. If you would like to reach out to us, we are happy to have a peace of mind discussion.

PrEP and Sex Work 

For those working in the sex industry, PrEP can be a sensible option as part of looking after their sexual health. PrEP will protect against HIV if you do not use condoms but will not offer protection from other STIs. We recommend you still go for regular STI checks and can provide you with treatments for positive results if you need them.

Does PrEP Interact With Other Drugs or Alcohol?

As part of the consultation you complete after ordering, we will ask you to let us know if you are taking any other medications. This is for your safety and to ensure that PrEP is a good option for you considering your health as well as any other medications you may be taking.

There are a small number of drugs which can reduce the protection the PrEP provides from HIV.

Some medicines that may reduce the protection of taking PrEP are:

• Anti-fungal and anti-viral drugs

• Antibiotics

• Painkillers, especially NSAIDs such as ibuprofen

• Hepatitis C medications

• Cancer drugs

More information about possible drug interactions with PrEP can be found on the patient information leaflet.

It is not know to cause interactions if you drink alcohol while taking PrEP. You should not regularly exceed the recommended consumption units as part of a healthy lifestyle.

What Tests Should I Take While on PrEP?

To ensure you remain in the best health while taking PrEP and to make sure it is still right for you, regular testing is advised. For this, we recommend that you will need:

• A quarterly check – At least every 3 months we will ask that you have had a HIV test with a negative result as well as good kidney function.

• An annual check – Each year we advise you to take tests for HIV, hepatitis B and C as well as a kidney function test.

• ·  Individual tests are available here:

  ·  HIV test

  ·  Hepatitis B test

  ·  Hepatitis C test

  ·  Kidney (renal) function test

Regular STI Screenings 

As part of your ongoing care, we advise regular STI screenings alongside HIV tests and kidney function tests.

When taking PrEP it is best to continue using condoms to prevent STIs.

Oxford Online Pharmacy offer a range of STI tests as well as condoms should you wish to learn more or purchase them.

What is the ‘Negative on PrEP’ Status?

To continue taking PrEP safely, you need to keep your ‘negative on PrEP’ status. This means you should get tested every 3 months for HIV to make sure you’re still HIV negative.

At Oxford Online Pharmacy, we offer the tests you require to ensure you are in good health while taking PrEP. These can be viewed here.

If you have any questions about ongoing self-care while taking PrEP, please contact us and our customer care team will be happy assist you.

PrEP and Drug Resistance 

If you take PrEP correctly, the chance of drug resistance is very low. 

Firstly, resistance relates to HIV and not the person. So an HIV negative person can’t be drug resistant. Secondly, resistance is only a risk if you become HIV positive. Even then the risk is low. 

The risks of drug resistance are from: 

• Starting PrEP without knowing that you are already HIV positive. This is why the HIV test before PrEP is essential. 

• Becoming HIV positive during a break from PrEP and then not having an HIV test before restarting. 

• Missing too many PrEP doses, so that drug levels are too low to prevent HIV infection. 

• Contact with drug-resistant HIV. This is very rare: globally, only a few cases have been reported of PrEP not working because of drug-resistant HIV. 

Where Can I Find Support?

There are a range of resources available to you depending on your personal circumstances. Please select the resource that suits your situation and contact them for support:

• The NHS provides free information about HIV, as well as psychological therapies to support you.

• For support regarding the impact of HIV for yourself, your partner or a friend or family member contact the Terrence Higgins Trust

• For advice around drugs and chemsex, you can contact your local sexual health clinic or visit the Dean Streat Clinic’s website

• Mermaids provides specialised information and support for transgender people.