The Health Service Executive’s HIV PrEP programme was rolled earlier this week representing a huge breakthrough.

This means that people who attend an approved service and have a substantial risk of contracting HIV will be eligible to access PrEP at zero cost.

After years of campaigning for a service like this, members of activist group Act Up have announced that this is a ‘hopeful day’ and a ‘fantastic beginning’.

But you might be wondering what is PrEP? And how important is this scheme?

What is PrEP?

PrEP is short for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and it is a medication to be taken by HIV-negative people which protects them against a HIV infection either from sex without a condom or sharing needles/equipment to inject drugs.

It either can be taken once daily or before and after sexual activity. HIV Ireland reports that when taken correctly, the drug is 99% effective at preventing a HIV infection.

How effective is PrEP:

As previously stated, the drug is 99% effective when taken correctly. It will needed to be taken for seven days before you are protected against HIV, an then everyday for as long as you need protection.

If you miss one or two pills during your course, your body is likely to have a enough of the drug to protect you against HIV.

You can take it four days out of the seven but it is recommended to take it once a day. It does not necessarily have to be at the same time everyday (although it might help you to remember).

It is important to be more precise when taking event-based PrEP — two hours before and after sexual activity.

It should be noted that PrEP protects people against a HIV infection, not any other sexual transmitted infection (STI) or pregnancy. Use of a condom is still advised to prevent other STIs and/or pregnancy.

Are there any side effects?:

Although very few people experience any side effects, less than 10% have reported headaches, nausea, diarrhoea and bloating when they first begin the medication.

These side effects tend to resolve after a month of taking the medication.

There is concerns about kidney functions although it is very rare. However, it is important to monitor your kidneys if you are on PrEP.

How will this programme work?

Under the new programme rolled out by the government on November 4, people who meet the eligibility criteria and have a perscription from an approved PrEP service will be able to access the drug for free.

To be eligible, you must be HIV negative and willing to visit a clinic for a check-up every three months.

You must also follow under the criteria of either having a partner who is living with HIV and not on treatment or on treatment but with a detectable viral load (an undetectable viral load means the virus is untransmittable).

You are also eligible if you are a man who has sex with other men or a transgender woman who has sex with other men and have had anal sex without a condom with more than one partner in the last six months, had an STI diagnosis in the past year or used drugs during sex.

However, a specialist STI doctor at an approved clinic can still prescribe you PrEP if you don’t meet those requirements and they believe you to be at substantial risk of HIV.

Where can I get PrEP?:

PrEP is available at a number of clinics. However, the demand is high and the services are currently overwhelmed, according to ACT UP’s Andrew Leavitt.

In the 2020 Budget, The Government has allocated €5.4 million to health services in order to fund full PrEP roll-out over 2020.

Currently, services are free with no consultation fee at Cork University Hospital, Gay Men’s Health Service in Dublin, GUIDE Clinic at St. James’s Hospital, Mater Miseriodriae University Hospital, Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, Prvention Support Clinic at St. Vincent’s University Hospital, University Hospital Galway and University Hospital Waterford STI Clinic.

How much does PrEP usually cost?:

It’s quite pricey without the programme. Andrew has estimated that it’s around €50 for 30 pills.

How important will this programme be?:

‘This is a fantastic beginning,’ said Andrew Leavitt. ‘We are really excited about this. It is also important to recognise that this programme makes Ireland one of the leading countries in Europe for providing PrEP to civilians.’

Andrew also said that there is a certain relief that comes from the programme.

‘Speaking from the perspective of a gay man,’ he said. ‘You don’t realise the profound and constant concern of HIV until you start the medication and it suddenly dissolves and is lifted.’

Mr. Leavitt also hopes that this programme will help further de-stigmatise HIV and people who are HIV positive.