PrEP

 

 

What is PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)?

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is medication taken by people who are HIV negative to prevent HIV infection.

It is a single daily tablet containing a combination of two medicines. 

When taken correctly, PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV.

PrEP is free in Malta and is provided following assessment at a Genitourinary (GU) clinic.

Who is PrEP for?
PrEP may be suitable if you are HIV negative and at increased risk of HIV, including if you:

- Have had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the last 6 months
- Are not in a mutually monogamous relationship
- Have needed PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)
- Are a gay, bisexual or other man who has sex with men
- Do not consistently use condoms with partners of unknown HIV status
- Inject drugs or use drugs for chemsex
- Are a sex worker
- Have a sexual partner living with HIV with a detectable viral load

 

Where can I get PrEP?
PrEP is prescribed by GU specialists ONLY following a full assessment.

It is available with a specialists’ free medicinal prescription at:

- Mater Dei Hospital Pharmacy
- Gozo General Hospital Pharmacy
- Floriana Health Centre Pharmacy
- Paola Health Centre Pharmacy

An appointment is required for:

- Discuss your sexual health history
- Confirm an HIV-negative test result
- Have baseline blood tests (including kidney function)
- Complete a full STI screen

 

How do I take PrEP?
There are two ways to take PrEP. Your GU specialist will help you choose the best option.

Daily PrEP

- One tablet every day
- Start at least 7 days before potential HIV exposure
- Continue daily while at risk
- Stop 7 days after your last possible exposure

Daily PrEP is recommended for:

- People assigned female at birth
- People taking gender-affirming estradiol-based hormones
- People who inject drugs
- Anyone who may have unplanned sex

 

 

Event-Driven PrEP (On-Demand)

This option is suitable only for people assigned male at birth who are not taking estradiol-based gender-affirming hormones.

 

How to take event-driven PrEP:

- Take 2 tablets 2–24 hours before sex
- Take 1 tablet 24 hours after sex
- Take 1 tablet another 24 hours later

If sex continues over several days, continue taking one tablet daily and stop after two sex‑free days.

Does PrEP protect against other STIs?
No. PrEP only protects against HIV.
It does not protect against other STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, hepatitis A, B or C, HPV or Mycoplasma.
Using condoms and having regular STI testing are recommended.

 

Monitoring and follow-up
If you are taking PrEP, regular follow-up is required, including:

- HIV testing
- STI screening 
- Ongoing clinical review

Important information

- PrEP must only be taken by people who are HIV negative
- PrEP should only be prescribed and monitored by a GU specialist

 

How to book an appointment

To access PrEP, contact the GU clinic on 25457494/1 or any other sexual health service.
To make an appointment for the GU Clinic in Gozo please call on 23446214.
Appointments are required for assessment, prescribing and follow-up. The free medication can be prescribed only by GU specialists.