06 September 25
Ending HIV
Stopped taking PrEP?
Here’s how to get back on it
Breaks are a natural part of life. Whether they are breaks in the clouds, in traffic or even in our love lives, they are bound to happen. While we won’t be able to tell you when the traffic will clear, we can help you with what to do when you want to restart PrEP safely after a break.
Some people will be ready to jump right back into taking PrEP, but for those who are less familiar or want a reminder, here’s what to do.
Step 1: Check your PrEP expiry dates and stock levels
If you have PrEP left over from the last time you had a PrEP script filled, it might still be good to use.
However, medications have expiry dates, so be sure to check it’s still in date and offering you the best protection from HIV.
If you’re planning on using an old supply, make sure it’s still in its original air-tight packaging, and that you will have enough to last until the next time you can replenish the supply.
Similarly, if you have an unfilled script, you may still be able to have new PrEP dispensed. Though keep in mind that most scripts will expire a year after they’re written.
Step 2: Get tested
It’s time to get tested for HIV and STIs.
If you haven’t had sex for a while, then you might be thinking ‘I’m still HIV negative, so I can just start taking PrEP again’ – and you may be right. But regardless of whether you did or didn’t have sex while you were taking a break, if you restart PrEP, you should get tested first!
PrEP works as a preventative method. If you happen to be HIV positive already and then use PrEP, it could limit your HIV treatment options later, and that’s not ideal. For that reason, it’s always better to test first.
Another reason why going in for a test is handy is that it’s another good opportunity to check on your health and get a new PrEP script if you need it.
If you’re seeing your regular doctor (General Practitioner or GP), then they’ll be able to give you a script like usual.
If you’re seeing a new GP and you’re not sure if they’ve heard of PrEP before, you can print and bring them this handy letter, which explains the benefits of PrEP and what to do during your consult to prescribe it. Neat!
Step 3: Get your PrEP
It’s time to pick up your PrEP. If you’ve got Medicare, then picking up PrEP can be as simple as popping down to the local pharmacy to get your PrEP dispensed.
Or for those without Medicare, or who want to save some more money, you can order PrEP online through the Personal Importation Scheme through websites like pan.org.au.
Step 4: Start taking PrEP safely
To start taking PrEP safely, decide if you’re going to be taking PrEP daily, on-demand, or over a period, and follow the advice from the corresponding section below.
Daily PrEP
Taking daily PrEP is an option that anyone can use. It’s simple – you take 1 pill every day for lasting protection.
Taking daily PrEP safely will vary depending on how you identify.
For cis guys who have sex with guys, to start:
- Take 2 pills (double dose) at least 2 hours before sex, then
- Take 1 pill every 24 hours after the double dose
Then, to stop, after your last hook-up:
- Take 1 pill daily for 2 days. If you have sex during this period, this resets the 2 days.
For everyone else, such as trans people who have sex with gay, bisexual or queer guys, to start:
- Take 1 pill daily for a full 7 days before sex
Then, to stop, after your last hook-up:
- Take 1 pill daily for 28 days. If you have sex during this period, this resets the 28 days.
On-demand PrEP
On-demand PrEP is only recommended for cis men and some trans people*, as there is not enough research to support its efficacy in other groups.
*On-demand PrEP can be used by trans and gender-diverse people who were assigned male at birth and aren’t taking oestradiol-based hormones, as well as by trans men who don’t have a uterus or who don’t have receptive front hole sex. Speak to your doctor directly to learn more about how you could use on-demand PrEP safely.
To take PrEP on-demand:
- Take 2 pills (double dose) between 2-24 hours before sex, then
- Take 1 pill 24 hours after the double dose, then
- Take 1 pill, another 24 hours after that
Think; 2-1-1.
You can also extend your protection if you had sex over subsequent days.
So if you continue to have sex, then keep taking 1 pill daily until two days after your last hook-up.
Periodic PrEP
If you don’t want or need to take PrEP long-term, then periodic PrEP could be a good alternative. With periodic PrEP, you take one pill once a day over a period of time when you want to protect yourself from HIV. This could be for a vacation or during a party period.
The routine to take periodic PrEP is the same as daily PrEP; you are simply limiting the period you will be taking PrEP. Follow the daily routine above, and make sure to pay attention to both the stopping and starting instructions.
Step 5: Enjoy the PrEP life
Now you’ve done all the hard work, all you have left to do is enjoy the PrEP life.!
If you do have other PrEP-related questions, find more information on our PrEP page or take a look to see if we’ve already answered them over at our Frequently Asked Questions, and if not, you can submit your own.