Where to get HIV PrEP

You can get HIV PrEP for free from NHS Scotland sexual health services.

They can arrange an appointment for you and answer any questions you may have.

You cannot get an HIV PrEP prescription from your GP.

Use Scotland's Service Directory to find your nearest sexual health service.

Your first appointment

At your first HIV PrEP consultation the doctor or nurse will ask you about your medical and sexual history. You'll have tests that'll check for HIV and STIs such as hepatitis, syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia. If not already done, they'll also check your kidney function.

It's important to make sure you do not have HIV before starting HIV PrEP. If you've had sex with a man without a condom in the 6 to 7 weeks before you start HIV PrEP, you'll be asked you to return to the clinic to have your HIV test repeated. This repeat test will be scheduled to take place 4 weeks after starting HIV PrEP. This is to make sure an early HIV infection is not missed. It's important to return for this appointment as you can develop resistance to HIV medications if you start HIV PrEP when you already have HIV.

Follow ups

Every 3 to 6 months you'll need a blood test for HIV and syphilis, a urine test to check your kidney function and swab tests for other STIs.

Every 12 months you'll need a blood test to check your kidney function. You might need to have a blood test for your kidney function more regularly if you either:

• take some other medications
• have high blood pressure