When should I stop taking PrEP?

The decision to stop PrEP should always be discussed with a healthcare professional. This ensures you stop safely and allows you to plan the next steps. You cannot simply stop the treatment the day after a risky sexual encounter.

Stopping Oral PrEP (pills)

To be protected from an exposure that might have occurred during your last sexual encounter, you must continue taking the pills for a certain period afterward (this is often called the "tail").

• After anal sex:

  • If you are on daily PrEP, it is recommended to continue it for 2 to 7 days after the last potential exposure. Your pharmacist will tell you the exact duration for you.
  • If you are on on-demand PrEP (2-1-1), the protocol already includes the post-intercourse doses. Just make sure you complete it correctly.

• After vaginal sex:

  • It is recommended to continue PrEP for 7 days after the last potential exposure.

Stopping Injectable PrEP

Stopping injectable PrEP is more complex because the medication stays in your body at a slowly decreasing concentration for several months.

• Risk of resistance: During this period, if you are exposed to HIV, the virus could develop resistance to the medication.
• Mandatory prevention: For this reason, it is crucial to use another prevention method (like oral PrEP or condoms) for up to a year after your last injection.

Restarting PrEP is always an option

Life changes, and so do your prevention needs. If you want to restart PrEP after a break, it's simple: you just need to complete a new round of screening tests and consult a professional. Never resume taking old pills without new medical advice.