CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network (CTN)

Canadian Guideline on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and Nonoccupational Postexposure Prophylaxis

Key points

  • Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) involving daily tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine 300/200 mg, taken orally, is a highly effective strategy for reducing the risk of HIV acquisition in adults who are at high, ongoing risk of infection.
  • In gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men with frequent exposures, an on-demand regimen may also be considered.
  • Nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis (nPEP) involving 28 days of antiretroviral medications is an effective strategy for reducing the risk of HIV acquisition from a recent (within 72 h) incident of moderate or high-risk exposure to HIV.
  • PrEP and nPEP should be part of a combination prevention strategy that includes behavioural interventions, such as condoms and counselling on risk reduction.