If you decide you want to stop taking PrEP altogether, it is best to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
They can:
- make sure you stop PrEP safely
- organise any tests you may need
- provide advice on future HIV and STI prevention
You can restart PrEP if your circumstances change in the future
If you have stopped PrEP and think you may have been exposed to HIV, you may need to take PEP. This should be as soon as possible but no later than 72 hours after the risk.
How to stop PrEP
Anal sex
If you’ve been taking PrEP to prevent HIV through anal sex, continue taking it for 48 hours after the last risk for HIV.
This means taking 2 final doses of PrEP: 1 dose the day after and 1 dose 2 days after your last risk. Take PrEP at your regular time.
Vaginal/frontal sex
If you’ve been taking PrEP to prevent HIV through vaginal/frontal sex, continue taking it for 7 days after the last risk for HIV. During this time, take PrEP at your regular time.
Injecting or slamming drugs
If you are also injecting or slamming drugs, you should continue taking PrEP for 7 days after the last risk for HIV. During this time, take the PrEP at your regular time.
