About PrEP

1. What is PrEP?

PrEP stands for “Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.”

It is antiretroviral medication that can protect you from HIV.

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2. How does PrEP work?

PrEP creates a protective shield in the human body, preventing HIV from infecting the person if they come into contact with the virus.
 

3. What does PrEP protect you from?

PrEP protects you only from HIV. It offers absolutely no protection against other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis. Using condoms alongside PrEP is strongly recommended, as it provides even greater protection against HIV transmission.

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4. Who is PrEP for?

PrEP is intended for people who are HIV-negative. 

PrEP does not interfere with hormone therapy.

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5. Are there any side effects?

Most people who take PrEP do not experience side effects. When side effects do occur, they usually disappear within a few weeks. These may include stomach discomfort, headaches, or fatigue. In a very small number of people, PrEP can affect kidney function.

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6. Is PrEP available in Cyprus?

Yes! As of October 2025, PrEP is officially available in Cyprus, for everyone, without any exclusion criteria, without having to be registered in the National Health System.

Find out more HERE.

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7. What you should know before starting PrEP:

• You must be HIV-negative.

• You must adhere consistently to the medication schedule.

• PrEP use is not permanent; it’s a treatment you choose to take and can stop whenever you wish. But it is important to consult with your supervising physician before you decide to stop taking PrEP

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8. How to use PrEP:

• DAILY USE: The most reliable strategy, proven through large-scale studies for HIV prevention, is taking PrEP once a day. You reach 99% of protection after using PrEP for 7 consecutive days. This applies to both men and women, both cis and trans.

• ON DEMAND: You can take 2 pills 2–24 hours before sex, then an additional pill 24 hours after the first dose, and then another pill 48 hours after the first dose (Scheme 2-1-1). You reach about 80-85% of protection with On-Demand use. This works only for cis men, trans women and others assigned male at birth, but this is not recommended for cis women, trans men and others assigned female at birth.

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Attention:

Taking more than the prescribed dose does not increase protection and may even be harmful.

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9. Medical tests required before starting PrEP:

• HIV test: negative result 6 weeks after the last high-risk exposure (repeat every 3 months).

• STI tests (including viral Hepatitis A, B & C): for all sexually transmitted infections (repeat every 3 months).

• Kidney and liver function tests: repeat every 6 months.

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10. What you should know if you decide to stop PrEP:

• You should not stop using PrEP before consulting with your doctor.

• You must book an appointment at the PrEP clinic or/and book an appointment with us by calling (00357) 9960 7005.

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Attention:

A statement from a sexual partner claiming they are on PrEP cannot be considered a guarantee of safety for your own protection against HIV!