Skip to main content
Emtricitabine/tenofovir is a fixed-dose tablet taken daily to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV, as part of a monitored prevention plan that includes regular testing.

How to use

Two things hold for as long as you are on PrEP: the daily tablet, and the fact that the schedule itself is set clinically.

One 200 mg/245 mg tablet once daily

Taken every day, preferably with food, at a time that can be maintained consistently. Daily PrEP protection depends strongly on adherence. Tablets are not shared, and another person’s schedule is not used.

Starting, stopping or switching schedules is a medical decision

A documented negative HIV assessment is required before starting and during follow-up. The clinician confirms when protection can be relied on and how long to continue after the last exposure.
Event-based dosing is not appropriate for every person or exposure.

Before the first dose

Complete HIV testing, kidney assessment, hepatitis B review, medication interaction check, and STI screening. Symptoms of recent HIV infection can require additional testing before PrEP starts.

Ongoing monitoring

One tablet is taken daily, with repeat HIV, kidney and STI checks at the interval set by the service — commonly every 3 months for HIV review. A refill is arranged before tablets run out.

What has been reported

Contact your doctor if

  • Fever, rash, sore throat, swollen glands, marked tiredness, or another symptom appears after a recent HIV exposure — seek prompt testing advice
  • Reduced urination, swelling, severe weakness, persistent vomiting, bone pain, or a severe allergic reaction occurs
  • Several doses are missed, tablets are about to run out, a new kidney-affecting medicine is needed, or stopping is being considered

Storage

Keep in the original package, away from moisture and direct heat, and out of children’s reach. Follow the temperature limit printed on the pack and do not use it after the expiry date.

What to expect

Daily emtricitabine/tenofovir PrEP substantially reduces the risk of sexually acquired HIV when taken consistently as part of a monitored prevention plan, but it does not prevent every infection and does not protect against other STIs. Adherence, testing, condoms where appropriate, vaccination, and prompt post-exposure advice all have roles.

How Hi-Doctor handles it

A questionnaire covering sexual health history, current medication and exposure risk is reviewed by an EU-licensed doctor — see how eligibility works and how safety checks run. Sexual health consultations are offered as a one-off review; the cost is set out on pricing.

Start a consultation

Sexual health consultation

Answer the sexual health questionnaire and a registered doctor reviews it. They decide whether treatment is appropriate, which one, and at what dose — and declining is a normal outcome. See what it costs and how the review works.
This page is reference information, not medical advice and not a prescription. Whether a medicine is appropriate for you is decided by a registered doctor after reviewing your consultation.