The PrEP and COVID -19
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Due to the closure of all trust outpatient services in
response to COVID-19 and consolidation of lab resources to manage the pandemic
we need to manage PrEP differently. Many patients are asking us what they can
do to help and as such we would appreciate you reading the following
information and seeing if these alternative strategies could apply to you.
Stopping PrEP – During social restricting and self-isolation
Public Health England advice is to not leave the house and socialise with other
people. This may lead to less sex and as such may reduce the need for PrEP. During
this time you could consider stopping PrEP and abstaining or switching to
condoms if needed. Guidance on stopping and restarting PrEP can be found here [http://i-base.info/guides/prep/can-i-stop-prep-completely].
Switch to on demand dosing of PrEP – With
reduced social movement some people may be having less sex and as such on
demand dosing of PrEP may be a suitable alternative to daily PrEP. This can
reduce the number of pills you take and preserve your supply at home. Guidance
on whether it is suitable and how to take this method can be found here [http://i-base.info/guides/prep/on-demand]
Buying PrEP - If you can afford it, consider
buying 3 months of generic PrEP online to
enable you don’t run out of medication in the event of clinic closures or
self-isolation from COVID-19.
Further guidance on PrEP, dosing strategies, side effects
and monitoring can be found here [http://i-base.info/guides/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/UK-guide-to-PrEP-Nov-2019-FINAL.pdf]
PLEASE NOTE THAT RECRUITMENT INTO THE IMPACT TRIAL HAS BEEN HALTED DURING THIS PERIOD
If the above options are not possible please complete the
PrEP self-assessment via our website for further review and advice.