How does HIV PrEP work, and who is eligible for it in Europe?

HIV PrEP explained: pre-exposure prophylaxis, tenofovir/emtricitabine, prevention efficacy, eligibility criteria, and medical monitoring.

In this episode, we outline how HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reduces the risk of HIV transmission and how doctors assess suitability under EU clinical guidance.

You’ll learn:

• What PrEP is (daily or event-based antiviral medication taken before exposure)

• How tenofovir and emtricitabine block HIV replication

• Who is considered eligible (higher-risk sexual exposure, HIV-negative status confirmed)

• The difference between daily PrEP and on-demand dosing

• The importance of regular HIV testing and kidney function monitoring

• Why PrEP does not protect against other STIs

• Situations where PrEP requests may be declined pending testing or risk assessment

We explain how doctors assess HIV status, recent exposure risk, sexual health history, renal function, hepatitis B status, and adherence capacity during an online consultation in the EU. PrEP requires ongoing follow-up and laboratory monitoring to remain safe and effective.

This episode reflects the clinical standards used by Mobi Doctor, where sexual health consultations are reviewed by a registered physician in line with EU prescribing guidance.

Read the full guide and transcript here:

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/how-does-hiv-prep-work