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Who can and cannot take Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

Who can take PrEP

Most adults and young people aged 16 years old and over who are HIV-negative can take PrEP. It may sometimes be prescribed for people below 16 who are at risk of HIV. PrEP should not be prescribed to anyone below the age of 12 years.

Who may not be able to take PrEP

PrEP is not suitable for some people.

To make sure it's safe for you, tell the clinic doctor if you:

  • have ever had an allergic reaction to tenofovir disoproxil, emtricitabine or any other medicine
  • have severe liver or kidney problems
  • are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised)
  • are HIV positive
  • have hepatitis

You may not need to take PrEP if:

  • your partner is HIV-positive, takes HIV medicine and has an undetectable viral load – this is when the level of HIV in your body is low enough not to be detected by a HIV test
  • you always wear condoms when you're having sex.
Information:

Condoms can sometimes split. Find out more about what to do if your condom splits.

Page last reviewed: 10 March 2023
Next review due: 10 March 2026