✓ Medically reviewed by · Last reviewed: May 2026
Pharmacy Researcher · 8 years experience
Pharmacy researcher with 8 years reviewing clinical drug information, generic formulation equivalence, and international pharmaceutical standards. Focuses on patient-facing accuracy in medication education.
Quick Answer
- PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a daily medication that reduces HIV transmission risk by 99%+ when taken consistently.
- The two approved PrEP regimens: Truvada (tenofovir DF + emtricitabine) and Descovy (tenofovir AF + emtricitabine). MedsBase stocks the generic equivalents: Tenvir-EM (Truvada-equivalent) and Tenvir AF.
- Generic PrEP from MedsBase costs approximately $35–60/month vs $2,000+/month for branded Truvada in the US — same molecule, same WHO-GMP manufacturer (Cipla).
- Available without a prescription at MedsBase. You should still test for HIV before starting and every 3 months while on PrEP.
What Is PrEP?
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a daily antiretroviral medication taken by HIV-negative people to prevent HIV infection. When taken consistently, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by approximately 99% and from injection drug use by at least 74%.
PrEP works by maintaining a protective level of antiretroviral drugs in your bloodstream. If HIV enters your body, these drugs block the virus from replicating and establishing a permanent infection.
Tenvir-EM vs Truvada: Are They the Same?
Yes — pharmacologically identical. Both contain the same two active ingredients at the same doses:
- Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) 300mg — nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor
- Emtricitabine (FTC) 200mg — nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor
Tenvir-EM is manufactured by Cipla Ltd — the same Indian generic manufacturer that supplies Truvada’s active ingredients to Gilead Sciences, and that provides antiretrovirals to PEPFAR and WHO procurement programmes for 100+ countries. The US price difference ($35 vs $2,000+/month) is entirely a patent and regulatory market effect, not a quality or efficacy difference.
PrEP Regimens at MedsBase
| Product | Equivalent Brand | Active Ingredients | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tenvir-EM | Truvada | TDF 300mg + FTC 200mg | Most users; first-line PrEP; HIV treatment |
| Tenvir AF | Descovy | TAF 25mg + FTC 200mg | Better kidney/bone safety profile; those on TDF with renal concerns |
| PrEP Starter Pack | Truvada + Doxy-PEP | Tenvir-EM + Doxycycline | PrEP + doxycycline PEP for bacterial STI prevention |
How to Take PrEP
Daily PrEP (recommended for most): One Tenvir-EM tablet daily, at the same time each day, with or without food. Full protection for anal sex is reached after 7 days of consistent dosing. For vaginal sex, 21 days of consistent dosing is needed for maximum protection.
Event-driven PrEP (2-1-1 schedule): CDC-endorsed for men who have sex with men only. Take 2 tablets 2–24 hours before sex, then 1 tablet 24 hours after the first dose, then 1 tablet 48 hours after. This protocol does not provide sufficient protection for vaginal sex or injection drug use.
Testing Requirements on PrEP
This is the most important practical requirement of PrEP. You must be HIV-negative before starting — taking PrEP while already HIV-positive allows drug-resistant HIV to develop. Ongoing testing catches any infections early.
- Before starting: HIV test (negative), kidney function test, STI panel
- Every 3 months: HIV test, STI panel
- Every 6–12 months: Kidney function test (especially relevant for Tenvir-EM/TDF)
In many countries, home HIV tests are available (OraQuick, BioSure). For ongoing monitoring, telehealth providers and at-home testing kits can reduce clinic visits.
Buying PrEP Online Without Insurance
In the US, branded Truvada costs $2,000–2,500/month without insurance. Gilead’s “Ready, Set, PrEP” programme provides it free to qualifying uninsured patients — but requires a healthcare provider’s prescription and proof of HIV-negative status.
Generic Tenvir-EM from MedsBase costs approximately $35–60 per month. This is the same molecule at the same dose, manufactured by Cipla — the world’s leading supplier of generic antiretrovirals. No insurance or US prescription required.
This is the route taken by many self-pay PrEP users globally, as documented by aidsmap.com and HIV advocacy organisations including iwantprepnow and the BHIVA guidelines on PrEP access.
Doxy-PEP: Combining PrEP with Bacterial STI Prevention
Doxycycline PEP (doxy-PEP) is a rapidly adopted strategy where you take doxycycline 200mg within 72 hours after condomless sex to reduce bacterial STI risk (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis). Studies show 65–80% reduction in bacterial STIs with doxy-PEP.
Our PrEP Starter Pack combines Tenvir-EM with doxycycline — covering both HIV and bacterial STI prevention in one order.
🛡️ Reshipment Assurance: Every MedsBase order is covered by our Reshipment Assurance Policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is generic PrEP (Tenvir-EM) as effective as Truvada?
Yes. Tenvir-EM contains the same active ingredients (tenofovir DF 300mg + emtricitabine 200mg) at the same doses. Cipla’s bioequivalence data shows identical pharmacokinetics. The WHO and PEPFAR use Cipla’s generics in national HIV prevention programmes across Africa and Asia — where the stakes for efficacy are highest.
Can I get PrEP without a prescription?
From international pharmacies like MedsBase, yes. PrEP is prescription-only in the US, UK, and Australia, but international pharmacies operating under different jurisdictions can dispense it without a local prescription. You should still get an HIV test before starting.
What happens if I miss a dose of PrEP?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember the same day. If it’s the next day, skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule. Never double-dose. Missing occasional doses reduces efficacy — consistent daily dosing is essential for maximum protection. One missed dose significantly lowers drug levels; three missed days in a row reduces protection substantially.
Can women take PrEP?
Yes — PrEP is approved and effective for all genders. Tenvir-EM is recommended for women by WHO and CDC. For cisgender women, full vaginal-tissue protection requires 21 days of consistent dosing (vs 7 days for anal sex). Tenvir-AF (Descovy-equivalent) is not currently recommended for cisgender women or people who have receptive vaginal sex.
Can I take PrEP long-term?
Yes. PrEP is designed for long-term daily use. Kidney function should be monitored periodically — TDF (in Tenvir-EM) can cause modest reductions in kidney function in a small minority of users, which is why every-6-month testing is recommended. If kidney concerns arise, switching to Tenvir-AF (TAF-based) resolves this.
Not sure if you have been exposed to HIV? Read our guide to the early signs of HIV in men — including the 72-hour PEP window.
Written by
Sophie ChenPharmaceutical Content Researcher · 8 years experience
Sophie Chen is a pharmaceutical content researcher with 8 years covering generic medication access and clinical pharmacology. She specialises in international regulatory frameworks, bioequivalence standards, and patient-facing education on therapeutic drug classes. She is not a clinician.