HSE approved PrEP prescribing centre
Specialist PrEP Clinic in Dublin
Start PrEP through a confidential in person assessment with blood testing, HIV prevention advice and a clear monitoring plan. Online consultations are available for suitable follow up appointments after your first clinic visit.
- HSE approved centre
- Specialist led care
- Same day appointments where available
- Online follow up available
CareBridge Medical is an HSE approved PrEP prescribing centre, providing assessment, PCRS registration, prescriptions, monitoring and specialist HIV prevention care.
A Specialist Led PrEP Service
Your PrEP care is supported by expert clinicians with expertise in sexual health, HIV prevention and ongoing monitoring. We offer in person first assessments, blood testing, prescription support and convenient online follow up care when appropriate.
Same day appointments depend on clinician and appointment availability and cannot be guaranteed.
Your First PrEP Appointment
Every new PrEP patient must attend CareBridge Medical in person for their first appointment. This allows your clinician to complete a full assessment and arrange the blood tests needed for safe prescribing.
Your first visit includes a discussion about HIV risk, medical history, current medication, daily or event based dosing, PCRS eligibility and your ongoing monitoring plan.
After your first appointment and once the necessary results are available, suitable follow up consultations may be completed online.
What is PrEP?
PrEP means pre exposure prophylaxis. It is prescription medication taken by an HIV negative person before a possible exposure to HIV to reduce the chance of acquiring HIV.
PrEP works by maintaining enough medication in the body to prevent HIV from establishing an infection. It must be taken correctly and supported by HIV testing, kidney monitoring and regular sexual health care.
PrEP can be taken every day, or in selected circumstances around the time of sex using an event based schedule. Your clinician will explain which option is appropriate for you.
Who May Benefit From PrEP?
PrEP may be suitable for HIV negative people who may be exposed to HIV through sex or shared injecting equipment. Suitability is based on your individual circumstances.
Sex without condoms
You do not always use condoms and there may be a possibility of exposure to HIV.
A recent STI
You have recently been diagnosed with an STI or have required repeated testing or treatment.
Previous PEP use
You have previously needed PEP following a possible HIV exposure.
A partner’s status is uncertain
A partner may have HIV, is not receiving treatment or does not have a confirmed undetectable viral load.
Chemsex or injecting risk
Your circumstances include chemsex or possible exposure through shared injecting equipment.
Additional protection
You want greater control and reassurance as part of your personal HIV prevention plan.
Choose the Right PrEP Appointment
New patients begin with an in person assessment and blood tests. Online appointments are available only for suitable follow up care after the first clinic visit.
How Do You Take PrEP?
There are two main ways to take oral PrEP. Your clinician will help you choose a safe option based on your health, hepatitis B status and type of possible exposure.
Daily PrEP
Daily dosing means taking one PrEP tablet every day after the appropriate starting dose. It may be the simplest option when possible exposure is frequent or difficult to predict.
- Take PrEP consistently at approximately the same time.
- A starting dose may be needed before protection is established.
- Continue for the advised period after the last possible exposure.
- Speak with your clinician before stopping or restarting.
Event Based PrEP
Event based PrEP is taken before and after sex rather than every day. It is suitable only in selected circumstances following clinical advice.
- Take two tablets between 2 and 24 hours before sex.
- Take one tablet 24 hours after the double dose.
- Take one final tablet 48 hours after the double dose.
Tests Before and During PrEP
Testing confirms that PrEP is appropriate and helps identify HIV, STI, hepatitis or kidney concerns at an early stage.
Laboratory HIV test
A laboratory HIV test is required before starting PrEP. Additional testing may be required after a recent exposure.
Kidney function
Kidney function is checked before starting. Some patients require ongoing blood or urine tests.
Hepatitis testing
Hepatitis B status affects how PrEP can be taken and how it should be stopped. Hepatitis C testing may also be advised.
STI screening
Testing may include gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis, with samples chosen according to your individual needs.
Can I Receive PrEP Medication Free?
Eligible patients in Ireland can receive their PrEP medication free through the HSE programme. CareBridge Medical is an HSE approved PrEP prescribing centre and can assess your clinical eligibility.
When you meet the eligibility requirements, CareBridge can register you through the Primary Care Reimbursement Service. Your medication can then be dispensed through a participating community pharmacy using a valid prescription.
Access normally requires:
- Clinical eligibility for the HSE PrEP programme
- A negative HIV test
- Appropriate kidney and hepatitis assessment
- A Drugs Payment Scheme card, medical card or Long Term Illness card
- Ongoing clinical reviews and monitoring
We will guide you through the assessment, registration, prescription and follow up process during your consultation.
PrEP Subscription Plan
Spread the cost of your private PrEP consultations, routine STI screening and follow up with a predictable monthly plan.
The CareBridge PrEP Subscription is designed for patients who want convenient ongoing access to specialist care, monitoring and prescription support.
Your subscription includes
- Initial in person PrEP setup
- Specialist clinical assessment
- Regular PrEP consultations
- Routine STI screening
- Prescription support
- Online follow up where appropriate
Treatment following a positive STI result, additional investigations, vaccinations, additional medication and external specialist referrals are charged separately.
What PrEP Does and Does Not Protect Against
PrEP does
- Reduce the risk of acquiring HIV when taken correctly
- Provide a prevention option controlled by the person taking it
- Support daily and selected event based prevention plans
- Form part of a complete sexual health strategy
PrEP does not
- Prevent gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis or other STIs
- Act as contraception or prevent pregnancy
- Treat an existing HIV infection
- Replace regular HIV and STI monitoring
Have You Already Been Exposed to HIV?
PrEP is used before exposure. If a possible exposure has already happened, you may need PEP. PEP is an emergency course of HIV prevention medication that should be assessed urgently and started as soon as possible within 72 hours.
PrEP Frequently Asked Questions
Is CareBridge Medical an HSE approved PrEP centre?
Yes. CareBridge Medical is an HSE approved PrEP prescribing centre. We can assess clinical eligibility, arrange testing, support PCRS registration and provide prescriptions and ongoing monitoring.
Can my first PrEP appointment be online?
No. Every new PrEP patient must attend their first appointment in person. This allows the clinician to complete the assessment and arrange the required blood tests and screening.
When can I use an online PrEP appointment?
Online consultations are available for suitable follow up care after your initial in person assessment and blood tests. You may still need to attend the clinic when new blood tests, samples or an examination are required.
Can I receive PrEP medication free in Ireland?
Eligible patients can receive PrEP medication through the HSE programme. CareBridge can assess your clinical eligibility and support your PCRS registration.
Does the subscription include the PrEP medication?
The subscription covers the listed private clinical services, including consultations, routine STI screening, monitoring and prescription support. Eligible patients can receive PrEP medication separately through the HSE programme.
Can I start PrEP on the day of my first visit?
Starting PrEP promptly may be possible when it is clinically safe. This depends on your HIV testing, recent exposure history, symptoms, kidney function, hepatitis assessment and available results.
Does PrEP protect against other STIs?
No. PrEP reduces the risk of HIV but does not prevent gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis or other STIs. Regular screening remains important.
Can I use event based PrEP?
Event based dosing may be suitable in selected circumstances. It is not appropriate for everyone and should be used only after a clinical assessment and clear dosing advice.
What happens if an STI test is positive?
The clinic will explain the result and advise you about treatment, partner notification and follow up. Treatment and additional medication are charged separately from the PrEP subscription.
Can I take PrEP if I have hepatitis B?
Some people with hepatitis B can take daily PrEP but require medical guidance and additional monitoring. Event based PrEP is not suitable for people with hepatitis B.
Ready to Start PrEP?
Book your first in person appointment with our HSE approved specialist PrEP service. Same day appointments may be available depending on the clinic schedule.
