What to do if you miss a pill

What to do if you miss a pill on daily PrEP

If you are taking daily PrEP, then do not worry if you sometimes miss one or two pills.

Everyone taking daily PrEP will get good protection so long as you take at least four pills every week.

Event-based dosing really needs all the recommended doses.

If you are late or miss a pill, just take it as soon as you remember and then continue as recommended.

Drug levels will still be high enough to protect against HIV. If you often miss doses perhaps it would be better for you to use daily dosing.

Everyone should now start PrEP with a double dose.

A pill box makes it easy to see if you missed a dose.
Aim for the same time each day. Link it to a routine task like brushing your teeth.
If you have risks during a break from PrEP, remember to also have another HIV test.
With event-based dosing, if you miss the BEFORE dose, still take a double dose asap AFTER sex, and continue single daily doses.
Contact your clinic in case PEP is recommended. See:
Is PEP recommended if I am on PrEP?

Last updated: 1 February 2024.