Where to Get PrEP in India: Finding a Doctor, Tests and Cost

01Who should consider PrEP?

PrEP is for HIV-negative people who have a higher chance of exposure, for example:

• A partner living with HIV who is not yet undetectable.
• Men who have sex with men, transgender people and sex workers with multiple partners.
• Anyone who does not use condoms consistently with partners of unknown status.
• People who have needed PEP more than once.
• People who inject drugs and share equipment.

If one of these applies to you, PrEP is worth a conversation with a doctor — without judgement.

02Where can I get PrEP in India?

Private HIV doctors

The most direct route is a doctor experienced in HIV prevention who can test, prescribe and monitor you. At Dr. Monga Medi Clinic we offer PrEP pre-exposure prophylaxis treatment at Lajpat Nagar 4, Dwarka Sector 9 and DLF Phase 4 Gurugram, and by online consultation across India.

Community and NGO programmes

Some cities have community-based PrEP services linked to targeted intervention programmes for key populations. Availability varies by city.

Online consultation

If you live outside Delhi NCR, a video consultation plus tests at a local lab is often the easiest way to start. City-wise PrEP information is available on peptreatmentforhiv.com.

03Can I buy PrEP without a prescription?

PrEP tablets (commonly tenofovir disoproxil with emtricitabine or lamivudine) are prescription medicines. Starting without tests is risky: if you already have HIV, PrEP alone is not enough treatment and can cause resistance; if you have hepatitis B, stopping PrEP suddenly can trigger a flare; and kidney function needs checking. A doctor visit makes PrEP both safe and effective.

04Tests before you start

1. HIV test — must be negative; if you had a risk in the last few weeks, the doctor may repeat it.
2. Kidney function (creatinine).
3. Hepatitis B surface antigen, and vaccination if you are not immune.
4. Other STDs — syphilis and others as appropriate.

After starting, HIV and STD tests are repeated every three months, and kidney function at least yearly or as advised.

05Daily PrEP vs on-demand (2-1-1) PrEP

Daily PrEP — one tablet every day — suits everyone, including women and transgender people. It reaches strong protection after about 7 days for anal sex and about 21 days for vaginal sex.

On-demand or event-driven PrEP (2-1-1) — two tablets 2–24 hours before sex, then one tablet 24 and 48 hours after the first dose — is an option for some men who have sex with men with less frequent, plannable sex. It is not recommended for vaginal sex or for people with hepatitis B. Your doctor will advise which schedule fits you.

06Side effects and safety

Most people have no side effects. A few notice mild nausea, headache or stomach upset in the first weeks ("start-up syndrome"), which settles. Long-term, the doctor monitors kidney function and, in some people, bone health. PrEP does not protect against syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia or herpes, so condoms and regular STD testing remain important.

07Missed doses and stopping PrEP

If you miss a daily dose, take it as soon as you remember the same day, then continue as usual — do not take two tablets the next day to "catch up" unless your doctor has advised a 2-1-1 schedule. Protection drops if you miss several doses in a week. If you want to stop PrEP because your risk has changed, talk to your doctor first: after the last possible exposure, PrEP is usually continued for some days (the exact duration depends on the type of sex and schedule), and people with hepatitis B need special guidance before stopping.

08PrEP for couples where one partner has HIV

When one partner is living with HIV and the other is negative, PrEP protects the negative partner during the months it takes for ART to bring the viral load to undetectable. Once the partner living with HIV is consistently undetectable, the risk of sexual transmission becomes effectively zero, and the couple can decide with their doctor whether PrEP is still needed. PrEP can also be part of safe conception planning for couples who want a baby.

09PrEP myths

• "PrEP is only for gay men." It is for anyone at higher risk, including women and heterosexual men.
• "PrEP encourages unsafe sex." PrEP is a health tool that reduces HIV infections; regular check-ups also improve detection of other STDs.
• "PrEP damages the kidneys." Serious kidney problems are uncommon; routine monitoring catches early changes.
• "PrEP works after one tablet." Daily PrEP needs about 7 days (anal sex) to 21 days (vaginal sex) to reach strong protection.

10How much does PrEP cost?

Generic PrEP made in India is relatively affordable compared with other countries. Your total cost includes the consultation (HIV & STD consultation at our clinic is ₹2,000), baseline and three-monthly tests, and the monthly medicine. Ask for a clear estimate at your first visit.

11Starting PrEP: a simple path

1. WhatsApp +91 70424 24269 or book through the form on this page.
2. Consult in clinic or online.
3. Complete baseline tests (same day where possible).
4. Start PrEP once HIV-negative status is confirmed.
5. Return every three months for tests and refills.

12What to expect at your PrEP follow-up visits

Every three months you will have a short review. The doctor repeats the HIV test to confirm you are still negative, screens for syphilis and other STDs as needed, checks how well you are taking the tablets, asks about side effects and gives the next prescription. Kidney function is checked at least once a year, or more often if you are older or have other conditions. These visits are also a good time to ask about hepatitis B and HPV vaccination, to discuss changes in your relationships, and to decide together whether you still need PrEP. Follow-ups can often be done online with tests at a lab near you.