As with all medications there can be side effects. I know 2 people who have taken it. 1 was absolutely fine and 1 had terrible nausea and stopped taking it. Not a big sample group I know but something to bear in mind |
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By (user no longer on site) 21 weeks ago
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I never had a problem. I joined the test group several years ago and remained on it until it was ended in 2020, I still use PreP and just order it from the clinic when I need a top up, have all the tests done at he same time |
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You can get prep from NHS clinics or private UK online pharmacies . If buying internationally check that the tablets include both active ingredients.
There are potential side effects including interference with kidney function, bone density loss and nausea. Have found it ok myself.
Something I didn't realise initially was that it also interferes with instant oral hiv tests you get for home use. So don't rely upon those while taking it.
tc
Cx
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"How many of you use prep? Where do you get it from? Any side effects?
So many questions.... any sensible advice will be greatfully received......."
there are probably helplines online,if you don't want to go into the clinic yet |
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I've used it for about 10 years and have had zero issues, which is the same as everyone I know who takes it. The clinics do all the tests and monitor you.
If sexually active with multiple partnersz it's wise to get tested regularly anyway, so it's worth consulting the staff at a clinic. Not all staff may be trained to prescribez so you may need a different appointment. Once in motion, everything would be done at the same appointment. It feels good to be doing something positive for your own and others health benefits  |
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"As with all medications there can be side effects. I know 2 people who have taken it. 1 was absolutely fine and 1 had terrible nausea and stopped taking it. Not a big sample group I know but something to bear in mind "
All I've heard about is a bit of diarrhoea when first starting on the medication.
Happened to me slightly for a day or two.
No other symptoms or side effects. |
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I had an upset stomach for the first three months. I'm a coffee drinker/addict and it turns out, for me at least, the tablets don't mix well with caffeine. It was an easy fix: I only drink coffee in the morning, so I now take my tablet in the afternoon. No more upset stomachs.
Apart from the protection from HIV, another advantage is the reminder to have regular STI screenings. Anecdotally, within my friendship circle, incidents of other STIs have reduced since everyone started PrEP. We speculate that regular screening has picked up asymptomatic infections more quickly, thus reducing their spread.
Even if one is using condoms, PrEP seems like a sensible second line of defense IMO. While HIV is not the death sentence it used to be, as effective treatment prevents both ill health and transmission, it is still life-changing. Mistakes with condoms happen, HIV is (very) occasionally transmitted orally, etc. PrEP gives another line of defense.
Incidentally, HIV does not just affect men who have sex with men. IMO, anyone who enjoys sex with multiple partners should consider PrEP as a tool for protecting their health. |
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We have just started with it taking it event based. The guy normally takes 2 tablets on the day of a meet and 1 tablet per day for 2 days after. The lady 1 tablet per day for 3 days up to a meet and 1 per day for 7 days after. Or can just take 1 pill per day if meeting new partners frequently.
We have found a bit of bloating and upset tummy. Monkey switched from doing 2 tablets on the day to 1 per day for 3 before with the blessing of the clinic.
Early days but so far so good. Nice to be able to play bare and be confident you won't get HIV. Note no protection against other STDs but we don't have many partners and are selective and most things are curable or not too damaging if treated. The clinic will only prescribe if you are HIV negative and have good liver and kidney function. Also you get fully checked every 3 months...
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"I was about to ask if it can be used on an as and when needed basis, is that with the advice of a gum clinic, or from online advice? "
There is the option for event based dosing.
Due to the rate different parts of the body absorb the active ingredients the frequently quoted event regime online is for anal sex. For full protection across other sex acts I would ask a professional at a clinic.
Cx |
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"I had an upset stomach for the first three months. I'm a coffee drinker/addict and it turns out, for me at least, the tablets don't mix well with caffeine. It was an easy fix: I only drink coffee in the morning, so I now take my tablet in the afternoon. No more upset stomachs.
Apart from the protection from HIV, another advantage is the reminder to have regular STI screenings. Anecdotally, within my friendship circle, incidents of other STIs have reduced since everyone started PrEP. We speculate that regular screening has picked up asymptomatic infections more quickly, thus reducing their spread.
Even if one is using condoms, PrEP seems like a sensible second line of defense IMO. While HIV is not the death sentence it used to be, as effective treatment prevents both ill health and transmission, it is still life-changing. Mistakes with condoms happen, HIV is (very) occasionally transmitted orally, etc. PrEP gives another line of defense.
Incidentally, HIV does not just affect men who have sex with men. IMO, anyone who enjoys sex with multiple partners should consider PrEP as a tool for protecting their health. "
With Prep and condoms each being close to:100% effective, using both is about as close to abstinence for safety against STIs as we'll get. |
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Hi everyone, so I’m straight but I often have sex with women and we do DVP and DP and so on so I managed to get myself on the prep via the gum clinic and I’ve never had a single side effect . So I’d recommend that anyone who has sex with others ask for it as you get it on the NHS and since we pay for it through our taxes why not be safer all together regardless of gender ,race or sexual orientation??!!
Save the NHS , it’s ours and it’s there to save us all |
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I'm on PrEP and take it on a daily basis, as one never knows when a quick hook up may occur! No side effects at all and get regular check ups at GUM clinic every 3 months at renewal.... Full STI screening as well as kidney function/bone density.
I would definitely advise going down the GUM clinic route rather than online. You will have pre checks for any existing infection and blood levels checked for kidney/bones before they will prescribe PrEP for you. |
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Free on NHS and from memory I believe it is the same in Ireland.
They do ALL the screenings ( HIV. Other STIs and liver and kidney functions) and give you another 3 months.
Another advantage of Prep gives SOME protection against Hepatitis. I do not respond to the Hep vaccine, so this is good.
Disadvantage, it can affect the kidneys and/ or liver, hence the tests, however if it does cause problems the dose can be tweaked to stop it, or if not possible, then coming off Prep reverses any damage.
Remember, whist both men and women can take a daily pill , "on demand" Prep only works with men.
Been on it over 7 years with no side effects.
But honestly, to anyone thinking about Prep,GO TALK TO YOUR LOCAL STI CLINIC, it is what they are there for. |
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I get mine from the local nhs clinic, was a bit nervous going the first time but the staff were brilliant.
They explain everything, answer any questions you have and you get tested regularly.
I would definitely recommend going down that route.
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"Free on NHS and from memory I believe it is the same in Ireland.
They do ALL the screenings ( HIV. Other STIs and liver and kidney functions) and give you another 3 months.
Another advantage of Prep gives SOME protection against Hepatitis. I do not respond to the Hep vaccine, so this is good.
Disadvantage, it can affect the kidneys and/ or liver, hence the tests, however if it does cause problems the dose can be tweaked to stop it, or if not possible, then coming off Prep reverses any damage.
Remember, whist both men and women can take a daily pill , "on demand" Prep only works with men.
Been on it over 7 years with no side effects.
But honestly, to anyone thinking about Prep,GO TALK TO YOUR LOCAL STI CLINIC, it is what they are there for."
It's free in Ireland if you have a medical card. Otherwise it's best to sign up to the drug payment scheme which caps the amount you spend on meds.. |
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"I'm on PrEP and take it on a daily basis, as one never knows when a quick hook up may occur! No side effects at all and get regular check ups at GUM clinic every 3 months at renewal.... Full STI screening as well as kidney function/bone density.
I would definitely advise going down the GUM clinic route rather than online. You will have pre checks for any existing infection and blood levels checked for kidney/bones before they will prescribe PrEP for you. "
STI clinics will run the same tests and provide advice, whether you get your Prep prescribed there or elsewhere. They have many years experience in running the blood tests, from before it was prescribed by the NHS.
You will get tested every 3 months as standard but you can also have additional Sti-checkups, if you want to or have any issues. |
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"How many of you use prep? Where do you get it from? Any side effects?
So many questions.... any sensible advice will be greatfully received......."
Truvada or its generic equivalents now available as the drug is no longer patented is known to adversely affect kidney function when taken long term.
For many years it has been used as one of the combination therapy meds for those who live with HIV. Accordingly, people for whom this medication forms part of their antiretroviral treatment, kidney function tests are performed every six months to monitor for kidney disease.
Given that prep does not have to be taken daily, unlike combination therapy for positive people, it is arguably less likely to cause chronic kidney disease.
But for those who claim that side effects are minimal, they are misinformed. People with pre-existing kidney issues would also be advised against taking prep for this very reason. |
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"Thanks for all comments so far..
So for those that use prep..who takes it one a day or who has it only before and after unprotected sex...."
My gum clinic told me that taking prep needs to be taken daily to be effective for vaginal sex.
I now qualify for nhs prep as although I’m a woman I gave sex with bi sexual men so I’m now allowed to get it.
No side effects but I do worry about potential impact on the kidneys and I’m careful to follow their advice and avoid ibuprofen products. |
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"How many of you use prep? Where do you get it from? Any side effects?
So many questions.... any sensible advice will be greatfully received.......
Truvada or its generic equivalents now available as the drug is no longer patented is known to adversely affect kidney function when taken long term.
For many years it has been used as one of the combination therapy meds for those who live with HIV. Accordingly, people for whom this medication forms part of their antiretroviral treatment, kidney function tests are performed every six months to monitor for kidney disease.
Given that prep does not have to be taken daily, unlike combination therapy for positive people, it is arguably less likely to cause chronic kidney disease.
But for those who claim that side effects are minimal, they are misinformed. People with pre-existing kidney issues would also be advised against taking prep for this very reason. "
On prescribed PrEP, you are tested at minimum ecer 12 weeks and one of the tests is kidney function.
They monitor it quite carefully.
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