PrEP | Generic Truvada

Order PrEP Online

By Clinical Pharmacist Hywel McGlinchy

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), also called Generic Truvada, can be taken daily to prevent HIV. You can request to order PrEP online from our UK registered online pharmacy and doctor service. As this medication requires a prescription, you will need to complete an online assessment as part of your order. Our UK registered online doctors will review your assessment to make sure it is safe and suitable to prescribe for you.  

Please note, if you are taking this treatment you need to have regular blood tests to check your HIV and hepatitis status, and kidney function. You can order an HIV test from our online doctor clinic or you can contact your local sexual health clinic to request these tests.

What is PrEP?

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is a medicine used to reduce your risk of getting the HIV virus. It can be taken daily by people who are at high risk of HIV infection to prevent them from getting infected.

The PrEP HIV drug in the UK is known as the brand name Truvada. The generic equivalent, which contains the same ingredients but is cheaper than Truvada, is called Emtricitabine/Tenofovir. 

The ingredients in HIV PrEP medication are:

• Emtricitabine 200mg
• Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate 245mg

These ingredients are commonly used for HIV treatment, in combination with other anti-HIV medicines. They should only be used to treat HIV infection alongside other medicines.

PrEP for HIV in the UK is different from PEP. PEP stands for ‘post-exposure prophylaxis’, which involves taking medicine to stop the HIV infection from taking hold after you may have been exposed to HIV (e.g. unprotected sex). Speak to your local sexual health service or A&E department if you think you need PEP.

How to take PrEP

The usual way to take it is one tablet every day, around the same time each day. Taking it every day, also known as ‘daily dosing’ gives effective prevention from HIV for both anal and vaginal or frontal sex. When starting PrEP, you should take it for 7 days before vaginal sex, to make sure you are protected against HIV.

Visit the iwantprepnow website for information on other ways to take it. However, you should always take it as prescribed by your doctor. Your local sexual health service may be able to offer further advice on PrEP and HIV prevention.

It is important that people taking PrEP have routine HIV status tests, STI tests, and kidney function tests during treatment. It can only be taken by HIV negative people because it can worsen or mask an infection in people who are HIV positive.

Many sexual health clinics understand that people buy PrEP online and most clinics will perform these routine tests for you if you are obtaining it online.

Can I get PrEP?

PrEP is only prescribed to people who are over 18 years old and at high risk of getting HIV. There are several groups of people who are at a higher risk of infection, such as men who have unprotected sex with men.

Do I need tests before I can start PrEP?

Before starting it, you will need to have an HIV test to confirm you are HIV negative. If you haven’t had a test in the last 4 weeks, you can contact your local sexual health clinic or buy our HIV test online.

You will also need a kidney function test, to make sure your kidneys are healthy, and an STI test to check for hepatitis. You should have regular HIV and STI tests throughout treatment, around every 3 months. Your kidney function should also be tested regularly. Speak to your local sexual health clinic about getting testing for PrEP treatment.

If you find out you have hepatitis while taking PrEP, you will need to make an appointment with a liver specialist for medical advice.

PrEP summary

Content Reviewed: 22/04/21

PrEP Side Effects

As with any medicine, taking PrEP can cause side effects. Common side effects include dizziness, rash, headache, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. 

You should be aware of other side effects which can be more serious, such as kidney problems and bone problems. For a complete list of possible serious side effects, see the patient information leaflet. If you notice any side effects while taking this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice.

Before taking PrEP or any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL).

• PrEP PIL

Other conditions and PrEP

It may not be safe for people with kidney, liver or bone problems to take. It’s important to know your hepatitis status before, and during, treatment with PrEP. If you do have hepatitis you should seek advice from a liver specialist before taking it.

Other medicines and PrEP

PrEP can interact with a number of medicines including certain antibacterials, antivirals and antifungals. See the patient information leaflet for a full list of interacting medicines and other conditions affected by PrEP.