PrEP, PEP, HIV and Chemsex support

Prevention medication, emergency treatment, testing and non-judgemental advice — whatever stage you’re at, our team can talk it through confidentially.

Three ways we can help

PrEP, PEP & HIV testing

PrEP

Ongoing prevention

A daily preventative medicine (commonly Truvada) for HIV-negative people, taken ahead of potential exposure.

Don't protect against STIs

92–99% risk reduction

PrEP is a preventative medicine for HIV negative individuals to reduce the risk of HIV infection. It consists of 2 antiretroviral drugs – Tenofovir and Emtricitabine. The combination of these medicines Is commonly known as Truvada, but there are other brand names that contain the same drugs. Taking PrEP enables you to protect yourself and the people you have sex with. Truvada works by blocking the replication of the HIV virus.

PrEP provides a 92% – 99% reduction in HIV risk for HIV-negative individuals who take the pill as directed.

You can view our service PrEP leaflet by clicking here.

HIV testing

Confidential, on-site

We offer HIV testing as part of our service. A positive result is referred on for specialist ongoing care and support.

Confidential referral if positive

Free

We offer testing for HIV. If you receive a positive test result, you will be referred to https://www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/hiv-services/ who will provide your care and support

PEP

Emergency only — act within 72 hours

Emergency medication after a possible HIV exposure. The sooner you start, the more effective it is — and it won’t work after 72 hours.

Not for regular use

28-day course

PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. PEP is a treatment that can reduce the likelihood of a HIV negative person getting HIV after they have been exposed to the virus. It involves taking antiretroviral medicines (ART) after being potentially exposed to HIV. PEP must be started within 72 hours after a recent possible exposure to HIV, but the sooner you start PEP, the better.

PEP should be used only in emergency situations. It’s not meant for regular use by people who may be exposed to HIV frequently. PEP is not intended to replace regular use of other HIV prevention methods, such as the consistent use of condoms during sex.

Think you've been exposed to HIV?

Is PEP right for you?

Call us immediately on 0800 772 0478, or go straight to A&E — PEP must be started within 72 hours, and the sooner, the better. Whether it’s suitable depends on a few things:

When PEP may apply

Possible HIV exposure during sex
Shared needles or drug equipment
Sexual assault
Workplace exposure (e.g. needlestick injury)

Timing matters

Must start within 72 hours of exposure
Unlikely to work if started later
Effective, but not 100% guaranteed

What's involved

28 days of HIV medication
Follow-up testing at the service
Mild side effects (like nausea) possible, but treatable

Think you've been recently exposed to HIV?

Chemsex support

Staying safer, if you choose to continue

Set your boundaries first
Agree what you are and aren’t comfortable with before you’re under the influence.

Be informed
Understand the risks of the drugs involved so you can plan around them.

Consider PrEP
PrEP can help protect against HIV, though not other STIs — full screening every 3 months is recommended alongside it.

Tell someone beforehand
Let someone know where you’re going, so you have someone to call if you feel unsafe.

Test regularly

Screen for STIs, HIV and hepatitis C. PEP may still be an option within 72 hours of a possible exposure.

Get support
If chemsex is affecting your wellbeing, we’re here to talk it through — no judgement, ever.

Want to talk something through, in confidence?

Call 0800 772 0478 any time — whether it’s about PrEP, PEP, testing, or how chemsex is affecting you.