About PrEP

PrEP stands for ‘Pre Exposure Prophylaxis’. It is medications that can help prevent HIV. PrEP can be used by HIV-negative people to help prevent an HIV infection, such as from sex. The “pre” means that PrEP needs to be taken before being exposed to HIV to prevent it. 

Table of Contents

• Who can use PrEP?
• How can I get PrEP?
• How do you use PrEP?
• How often should you take PrEP?
• PrEP only during sex
• What are the side effects of PrEP?
• PrEP only during sex
• What are the side effects of PrEP?
• Stopping PrEP
• How much does PrEP cost?

Who can use PrEP?

PrEP is suitable for people with a substantial risk of HIV. This includes, in particular, men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people who in the previous 6 months:

• had insertive or receptive anal sex without a condom;
• had a rectal STI or infectious syphilis; or
• had an indication for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

Other people with substantial HIV risk may also benefit, including people who have sex with MSM, transgender people, or people from areas with a high HIV prevalence. If a partner living with HIV has an undetectable viral load, HIV is not sexually transmissible and PrEP is not indicated for that contact.

Source: Nederlandse Vereniging van Hiv Behandelaren, 2022

How can I get PrEP?

PrEP can be prescribed at a Centre for Sexual Health (CSG) at the GGD or by doctors, including GPs, who are familiar with PrEP care. Nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists may also be involved in prescribing.

Before starting PrEP, an HIV test is required. PrEP should not be started if symptoms suggest an acute HIV infection. Kidney function is checked using serum creatinine and eGFR, and people who are not vaccinated against hepatitis B are screened for HBV and vaccinated if appropriate. HIV and bacterial STI testing generally take place every 3 months during PrEP use, although the interval can be adjusted to the individual situation.

Source: Nederlandse Vereniging van Hiv Behandelaren, 2022

How do you use PrEP?

PrEP can be taken daily or, for people who have exclusively anal sex, around the time of sex. Daily PrEP is recommended for people who have (neo)vaginal sex and for people with chronic hepatitis B.

Source: Nederlandse Vereniging van Hiv Behandelaren, 2022

How often should you take PrEP?

For daily PrEP, take 1 tablet every day. When starting with 1 tablet per day, protection for anal sex is reached after 5 days. Continue PrEP for at least 2 days after the last possible anal exposure.

For (neo)vaginal sex, take 1 tablet daily for 7 days before possible exposure and continue for at least 7 days after the last possible exposure.

If you forget a daily tablet, you can still take it within 12 hours. After 12 hours, skip the forgotten tablet and continue your normal schedule. No additional measures are needed after an occasional missed daily dose.

Source: Nederlandse Vereniging van Hiv Behandelaren, 2022

PrEP only during sex

For people who have exclusively anal sex, PrEP can be taken around the time of sex:

• Take 2 tablets 24 to 2 hours before possible exposure.
• Then take 1 tablet every 24 hours.
• Continue until 48 hours after the last possible exposure.

If you have had a day without PrEP, take 2 tablets again 24 to 2 hours before the next possible exposure, followed by 1 tablet 24 and 48 hours later.

If the first 2 tablets are missed, use additional protection such as condoms. A missed tablet after sex can still be taken up to 12 hours late. PEP may be considered if there was a possible HIV exposure and PrEP was not used correctly.

Source: Nederlandse Vereniging van Hiv Behandelaren, 2022

What are the side effects of PrEP?

Very common side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and asthenia. Common side effects include abdominal pain, flatulence, insomnia, vivid dreams and skin rash.

Less common effects include increased serum creatinine, protein in the urine and proximal tubulopathy. Kidney failure and acute tubular necrosis are rare. Side effects are generally mild and self-limiting within days to weeks.

Source: Nederlandse Vereniging van Hiv Behandelaren, 2022

Stopping PrEP

After anal exposure, continue PrEP for at least 2 days. After (neo)vaginal exposure, continue for at least 7 days. An HIV test should be performed 3 months after stopping, and other HIV-prevention options should also be considered.

Source: Nederlandse Vereniging van Hiv Behandelaren, 2022

How much does PrEP cost?

PrEP usually costs between €25 and €35 per month, although prices vary between pharmacies. In most cases, you pay for the pills yourself. Some GGDs do not charge for PrEP care and may also cover the cost of the medication. Check with a GGD near you for the available options.

Source: Soa Aids Nederland, 2025

Unfortunately, Homed-IQ does not yet offer PrEP medication. Contact your GP or a local sexual health clinic to make an appointment and learn more about PrEP. But do you want to check your sexual health from home? With the HIV Test from Homed-IQ, you can easily and discreetly test for HIV — all from the comfort of your own home.