HIV PEP & PrEP FAQ

You need to take PEP as soon as possible but no later than 72 hours after being exposed to body fluid that may have contained HIV.

You can be assessed for PEP at our clinic during our opening hours and if deemed appropriate access a PEP starter pack at our clinic. We will also give you a prescription for a 28 day supply of the medication.  When Stonewall is closed then you need to present to your nearest Hospital Emergency Department for assessment.  Get PEP Now has a list of sites across Queensland.

You need to take one Truvada tablet daily.

You need to take PEP for a total of 28 days.

We need to test your blood to ensure that the results are normal and to exclude HIV, HBV and HCV infection.

We check if you need HBV vaccination and offer it to you.

We check if you need the morning after pill and offer it to you.

Yes. We need to see you three more times after your initial assessment:

• Two weeks after starting Truvada to check how you are feeling. We will also test your blood, urine and swabs for Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia and Syphilis.
• Then at day 28 to see if you could finish your medication and to see if you are well.
• Lastly, we need to see you 2-4 weeks after completing PEP for a final HIV, HBV and HCV test.

Most people tolerate Truvada well. Some may develop bloating, nausea and headache.  Usually these symptoms stop after few days. Some patients especially those who have known kidney and liver problems may not tolerate Truvada.  

Truvada can affect the kidneys and contribute to Osteoporosis.

We will explore this with you and together we will decide the best way forward.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, is one tablet that contains two anti-HIV medication co-formulated tenofovir and emtricitabine.   PrEP is an effective prevention strategy for: men who have sex with men (MSM), heterosexual men and women, transgender people, and people who inject drugs who are at-risk of HIV acquisition.

Here you can access the Australian PEP guidelines: PEP Guidelines – ASHM

You and your doctor will review your risk of getting infected with HIV and together weigh the benefits and disadvantages of taking PrEP versus possibly encountering HIV short or long-term.

You should discuss PrEP with us as soon as possible so together we can decide if and when you should start PrEP.

You will receive a prescription to buy PrEP at the local pharmacist. Typically your prescription will last for three months.

PrEP is licenced as a once daily dose in Australia. However, there is good research information showing that PrEP on-demand can prevent HIV transmission if taken correctly. You and your doctor will discuss these options and decide together what is most suitable for you.

Once daily PrEP is effective after 7 days.

You need to take PrEP for as long as you are at risk of exposure to HIV. A minimum of two tablets 24 hours apart need to be taken after the last exposure risk, i.e. sexual intercourse.

Most people tolerate PrEP well. Some may develop bloating, nausea and headache.  Usually these symptoms stop after few days. Some patients especially those who have known kidney and liver problems may not tolerate PrEP.

PrEP can affect the kidneys and contribute to Osteoporosis.

We will explore this with you and together we will decide the best way forward.

Here you can access the Australian PrEP Guidelines:  PrEP Guidelines – ASHM