Free tool
Can I eat this with Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis?
PrEP can cause nausea and indigestion; taking it with food helps, and avoiding rich or spicy meals reduces side effects.
Also sold as Ictastan, Truvada. Brand names from the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices.
Type any food below for an instant verdict — we check 42 foods and drinks for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (0 to avoid, 9 to take care with) — or tap one below.
Quick answers
- Should I take Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis with food?
- It's better to take PrEP with or after food.
- Can I eat rich or spicy food with Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis?
- Yes, with care. Avoid rich or spicy food as it can make nausea worse.
- Can I eat lentils with Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis?
- Yes, with care. Try not to eat too much lentils as they can cause wind and bloating.
- Can I eat peas with Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis?
- Yes, with care. Try not to eat too much peas as they can cause wind and bloating.
- Can I eat beans with Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis?
- Yes, with care. Try not to eat too much beans as they can cause wind and bloating.
- Can I eat onions with Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis?
- Yes, with care. Try not to eat too much onions as they can cause wind and bloating.
Grounded in the checker below and the full guide. Not a substitute for your pharmacist.
1 · What do you take?
PrEP can cause nausea and indigestion; taking it with food helps, and avoiding rich or spicy meals reduces side effects.
PrEP is better taken with or after food. Rich or spicy food can make nausea and indigestion worse. You can drink alcohol while taking PrEP. You can eat and drink normally while taking PrEP.
Read our full Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis guide →2 · What do you want to eat or drink?
When to take it: It's better to take PrEP with or after food.
Tap a food to see the answer, or type any food or drink in the box above.
Take care with Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis· 9
Fine with Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis· 33
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This checker summarises published guidance (NHS medicine pages, patient information leaflets and drug labels) for general information only. It is not medical advice, it is not exhaustive, and it cannot account for your dose, kidney function, other medicines, or health conditions. Always follow your prescriber, pharmacist, or the patient information leaflet — especially before changing what you eat or drink. See our editorial policy.
Further reading on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
The pages our answers quote. Every answer shows “Where this comes from” with the exact words, checked 24 September 2026. How we check
NHS website
About Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
NHS medicines information about PrEP – what it's used for and key facts.
NHS website
Who can and cannot take Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
NHS medicines information on who can take PrEP and who may not be able to take it.
NHS website
How and when to take Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
NHS medicines information on dosage for PrEP, how to take it and what to do if you miss a dose or take too much.
NHS website
Side effects of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
NHS medicines information on side effects of PrEP and what you can do to cope.
NHS website
Taking Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) with other medicines and herbal supplements
NHS medicines information on possible interactions with PrEP and other medicines, herbal remedies and supplements.
Food groups that matter with Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
Every medicine each one affects, on one page.