How to start PrEP in Nigeria:
a step-by-step guide.
PrEP is the daily HIV prevention medication that protects you before any exposure. Here is who qualifies, what tests you need beforehand, and exactly how to get started through Zivoko.
🛒 Ready to start PrEP? Skip the hospital queue. Order discreetly through Zivoko. Order on WhatsApp →
PrEP — Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis — is a medication taken by HIV-negative people to prevent HIV infection before any possible exposure. When taken correctly, it is over 99% effective at preventing HIV through sex. It is one of the most powerful tools in modern HIV prevention, and it is now available in Nigeria through Zivoko without a hospital visit.
This guide walks you through everything: who should consider PrEP, what tests are needed before starting, the different options available, and how to get your first supply today.
Is PrEP right for you?
PrEP is recommended for HIV-negative people who are at ongoing or recurring risk of HIV exposure. You may be a good candidate if any of the following apply to you:
- You have a sexual partner who is HIV-positive or whose HIV status you do not know.
- You have unprotected sex with multiple partners, or with partners at higher risk.
- You have had an STI in the past six months — which signals sexual risk exposure.
- You have needed PEP more than once, which indicates an ongoing pattern of risk rather than a one-off emergency.
- You share needles or injection equipment.
- You are a sex worker or have transactional sex.
You do not need to tick every box. If you find yourself worrying about HIV exposure regularly, or if you are relying on PEP as a recurring strategy, PrEP is almost certainly the right move for you.
The three forms of PrEP available through Zivoko.
How to start PrEP through Zivoko — step by step.
Confirm you are currently HIV-negative
PrEP is only for people who do not have HIV. Before starting, you must take an HIV test. If you are in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt, Zivoko can arrange this. If you have tested recently and have the result, share it with us and we can proceed from there.
Basic kidney function check (for oral PrEP)
Oral PrEP (Tenofovir) is processed by the kidneys. Before starting, a brief kidney function test — usually a creatinine or eGFR test — is recommended to confirm the medication is safe for you. This is a standard blood test available at most labs in Nigeria. Injectable options like CAB-LA do not carry the same kidney considerations.
Brief clinical review with our pharmacist
Share your HIV test result, kidney test result, and a brief description of your situation. Our pharmacist confirms your eligibility and recommends the most suitable PrEP formulation. This happens via WhatsApp at a time that suits you — no hospital appointment needed.
Receive your first supply
PrEP is packaged discreetly and delivered to your address. Same-day delivery across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Nationwide delivery for all other locations in Nigeria.
Ongoing monitoring every 3 months
Once on PrEP, you need an HIV test every three months to confirm you remain HIV-negative, and a kidney function check every six to twelve months. Zivoko manages your refill schedule and follow-up reminders so nothing slips through.
Common questions about starting PrEP in Nigeria.
QHow long does PrEP take to work?
For receptive anal sex, daily oral PrEP reaches full protection in approximately 7 days. For vaginal sex, it takes approximately 21 days. CAB-LA injectable and lenacapavir provide protection from shortly after the first injection. Use condoms until full protection is established.
QCan I start PrEP if I am coming off PEP?
Yes — and this is often the right move. After confirming a negative post-PEP HIV test, PrEP can typically be started immediately. The transition is smooth since oral PrEP contains one of the same active ingredients as most PEP regimens. Read our guide on what happens after you finish PEP for more on this transition.
QDoes PrEP protect against other STIs?
No. PrEP only prevents HIV. It does not protect against gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, or hepatitis C. Condom use alongside PrEP remains recommended for broader sexual health protection and is discussed in more detail in our article on PrEP vs condoms.
QHow much does PrEP cost in Nigeria through Zivoko?
See our dedicated guide on the cost of PrEP in Nigeria for a full breakdown of pricing across different formulations, what is included in the Zivoko package, and how to manage costs over time.
Ready to start PrEP?
No hospital queue. No unnecessary exposure. Our pharmacists are available now to guide you through eligibility, arrange your baseline test if needed, and dispatch your first supply — all via WhatsApp.
Start PrEP Today →PEP is for emergencies. PrEP means you never need an emergency again.
Consistent protection. No daily anxiety. Just your life, protected.
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