Phone: 0131 536 1773
Mobile: 07774 628227
Email: roam.outreach@nhs.scot

PREP and PEP

Protect yourself from HIV - PrEP and PEP are medicines that can help prevent HIV. PrEP is taken before you may be exposed to HIV. PEP is taken after you may have been exposed to HIV.

What is PrEP?

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.

It is a medicine taken by people who do not have HIV to reduce their chance of getting HIV.

Who can get PrEP?

PrEP is available through NHS Scotland for people who are HIV negative and may benefit from reducing their risk of HIV, its an option for people of any gender or sexual orientation

You may want to consider PrEP if you:

  • Don’t always use condoms for sex.
  • Have sex while using drugs or alcohol, making it harder to use condoms or other HIV prevention.
  • Inject drugs and may share injecting equipment.
  • Have other circumstances that could increase your chance of getting HIV.
  • Have sex with someone who has HIV and does not have an undetectable viral load.
  • Have sex with partners from communities or countries where HIV is more common.
  • Have recently had an STI or other circumstances that may increase your chance of getting HIV.

How do I take PrEP?

There are different ways to take PrEP. The right option depends on your circumstances, the type of sex you have, and what works best for you.

Every day PrEP

Take 1 PrEP tablet every day.

Daily PrEP provides continuous protection and can be a good option if you have sex regularly or don’t know when you might have sex.

If you’re starting PrEP for the first time, you may need to take 2 tablets between 2 and 24 hours before sex, followed by 1 tablet every day. Your healthcare professional will explain how to start.

Event based dosing PrEP

If you can plan when you’ll have sex, you may be able to take PrEP around the time of sex. This is called event-based PrEP.

You take 2 tablets between 2 and 24 hours before sex, followed by 1 tablet 24 hours after your first dose then 1 more tablet 24 hours after that. 2-1-1.

If your risk continues for more days just continue taking 1 tablet every day until at least 48 hours after your last sexual contact.

Which option is right for me?

PrEP can be taken in different ways depending on your circumstances. Speak with a member of the team who can talk you through the options and help you decide what is right for you.

Not sure if PrEP is right for you?

That’s okay. You can speak someone at the ROAM Team or check out NHS Inform for more information.

f you live in Edinburgh, you can access PrEP through The Chalmers Centre

You can get testing, PrEP assessments and monitoring and advice at The ROAM Team.

Helpful phone number -

PrEP enquiries and reviews: Call Chalmers PrEP Team on 0131 536 1138

Useful websites -

What is PEP

PEP stands for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is a course of HIV medicines taken after a possible exposure to HIV.

PEP works best when started as soon as possible –

  • It can be started up to 72 hours after exposure.
  • It is not recommended after 72 hours.
  • The usual course lasts 28 days.
  • Don’t wait for symptoms or an HIV test.
  • If you think you may need PEP, contact The Chalmers Centre
  • Outside normal opening hours, PEP is available from A&E departments

When might I need PEP?

PEP may be considered after a possible exposure to HIV through:

  • Sex without a condom or another form of HIV prevention.
  • Sharing needles or injecting equipment.
  • A needlestick injury.
  • Other situations where HIV-infected blood may have entered your bloodstream.

A nurse or a doctor will ask about what happened and assess whether PEP is appropriate for you. They may ask when the exposure happened, what type of exposure occurred, whether the other person has HIV, and whether they are taking effective HIV treatment.

What if the other person has HIV?

What if the other person has HIV?

If someone living with HIV is taking effective treatment and has an undetectable viral load, they cannot pass HIV on through sex. This is known as:

U=U, Undetectable = Untransmittable

For more information - Questions about U=U: what, when, who, why….? | HIV i-Base

If you don’t know the other person’s HIV status or viral load, you can still seek advice.

Find Chalmers Centre

Chalmers Sexual Health Centre
2A Chalmers Street
Edinburgh
EH3 9ES

For general Chalmers appointments and enquiries: 0131 536 1070

Chalmers Sexual Health Centre

For more information regarding PEP