3 August 2016 - NHS can now legally fund HIV prevention drug PrEP. We spoke to those already taking it about how it has changed their lives.

Men and women across the UK at risk of acquiring HIV were offered hope after a high court ruled that a preventative treatment for HIV – known as PrEP – can be legally funded by the NHS.

Until now, those at risk of HIV transmission have been left with no choice but to obtain the preventative drug using private prescriptions or online pharmacies where the quality of medicine cannot always be assured.

Michael, 39, who lives in Sussex, buys Tenvir-EM – a generic version of Truvada, the drug used for PrEP – from online pharmacies. His partner is HIV positive and he takes PrEP to further reduce the “infinitesimal chances” of infection.

“The NHS is digging its heels on reviewing the drug so I, and many in my position, turn to internet pharmacies. I’d much prefer it to be available on the NHS. I would happily pay the prescription charge several times over, if only for the reassurance that the medicines are genuine. For now, I rely on good faith,” says Michael.

Read The Guardian article