PrEP
Maybe you use condoms sometimes, rarely, or not at all. You might want to reduce your risk of getting HIV, but for some reason condoms don’t always work for you. In that case, PrEP could be an option. Taking PrEP means using medication to reduce the risk of getting HIV.
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis, which means taking medication preventively so that HIV cannot be transmitted during sex. Some people use only PrEP, while others combine it with condoms. You can also choose different approaches at different times. You decide your own level of protection.
How do you get PrEP?
To access PrEP, you need to contact a clinic that prescribes and monitors your treatment. Today, several clinics across the country provide PrEP. To find your nearest clinic, you can visit RFSL’s PrEP and testing map.
- You must be certain that you do not have HIV before starting PrEP.
- The protection is very high, but not 100%.
- Missed doses = reduced protection. Take your pills every day.
- PrEP does not protect against chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis. Only condoms reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted infections.
- PrEP may cause side effects.
- Follow-ups are important; check with your doctor which tests you should take.
PrEP and cost protection
PrEP is approved in Sweden and is covered by the high-cost protection system. As a patient, you pay around 220 SEK per month for PrEP. The high-cost protection limit in Sweden is currently 3800 SEK over 12 months. Depending on whether you take other medications, your monthly cost may vary.
It’s easy to forget to take your medication. Here are some tips:
- Set a daily reminder on your phone, either using the alarm function or a medication app.
- Keep pills in your bag or in a small container on your keychain.
- Keep your pills visible at home, for example next to your toothbrush or coffee maker.
PrEP on demand
PrEP can be taken in different ways. The most common is to take it every day, but for various reasons some people choose to take PrEP on demand. This means taking PrEP during periods when you know you will have more sex, for example during a holiday, a sex party, or simply a period when you expect to have sex more often. PrEP on demand is not recommended for trans men or people who were born with a vagina. If you belong to these groups, you need to take PrEP every day to ensure the protection works. PrEP on demand is taken according to the following schedule:
- Take 2 pills 2–24 hours before sex.
- Take 1 pill per day at the same time as the first dose.
- Continue taking 1 pill per day until 48 hours after your last sexual encounter.
