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Stopping HIV with PrEP

man slikt een PrEP-pil

PrEP is a pill that makes sure you don’t get HIV. If you are at risk of HIV, talk to your doctor about whether PrEP is right for you.

What is PrEP?

  • PrEP is a pill that protects you from HIV. If you take it the right way, you won’t get HIV. Even if you have sex with someone who has HIV
  • You can take a pill every day. Or do that only when you have sex – before and after. Choose what’s best for you. You could switch between the 2 methods
  • You can get PrEP through your own doctor. Sometimes you can get it at a GGD health centre. Read more about getting PrEP 
  • PrEP is safe and has few side effects
  • Your doctor will keep an eye on your health while you’re taking PrEP

How effective is PrEP?

PrEP is very effective in protecting you from HIV, as long as you take the pills at the right time. 

Is taking PrEP difficult?

The pill itself is small, and usually easy to swallow. You have to take it every day. Or whenever you have sex. If you don’t do that, it won’t protect you properly.

You can take PrEP in 2 different ways: 1 pill every day, or 4 pills when you have sex. Decide what’s easiest for you. You could also switch between methods.

Who is PrEP for?

PrEP is for people who are at greater risk of HIV. Particularly if you’re male or trans. And if you have anal sex with men without using condoms. 

How do you get PrEP?

You can get PrEP through your own doctor, picking up the pills at a pharmacy. Sometimes you can get PrEP at a GGD health centre. Talk to your doctor about whether you should take PrEP.

Find a GGD near you

What does PrEP cost?

  • If you get it from the GGD, you’ll only have to pay a small amount yourself (mostly €7.50 for 90 pills)
  • If you get it through the doctor, you pay the whole amount for the pills yourself.  It’s not covered by your health insurance. PrEP is on sale at different prices. This starts at about 7 euros for 30 pills, but some are more expensive. Your health insurance does cover check-ups at the doctor. But you may have to pay all or some of this yourself if it comes under the excess you pay for health costs. 

Side effects

PrEP is safe to use. But just like any other medicine, it may have side effects. Especially when you start taking it. 
You might then have:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Stomach aches
  • And occasionally: kidney problems

Most of the symptoms disappear after a while. But if kidney problems continue, you will have to stop taking PrEP.

Want to know more about PrEP?

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