How does LVNDR work?
LVNDR offers remote testing, online consultation with an LGBTQ+ specialist clinician, as well as delivery of medication.
What services are available during LVNDR's pilot?
You are able to sign up to the LVNDR app, receive PrEP monitoring test kits and speak to a clinician via video call, when your results are back. PrEP medication will be sent by post following your consultation.
What prescription products/medications does LVNDR provide?
For the pilot, LVNDR will only prescribe PrEP medication. However, we're excited to continue expanding our services in the future to serve additional sexual health needs.
How much does a LVNDR cost?
As a pilot, LVNDR is completely free for users to access. We hope to continue delivering free services in the future with additional NHS and public health partnerships.
Where is LVNDR available?
The pilot service will be available to users that are currently living in England.
How do I get started with LVNDR?
Sign up via the website link and register your interest. Based on availability during out pilot you will be contacted to confirm your interest in participation prior to accessing our pilot service.
What kinds of questions will LVNDR ask to get started and why?
You will be asked two sets of questions:
The first set will come up when you are signing up for the service.These are mandatory questions about yourself and any previous history with PrEP or HIV testing in order to safely participate in the PrEP pilot.
The second set is not mandatory to complete before your appointement. This entails details about your sexual history, any medical conditions you may have, your mental wellbeing, as well as if you currently use drugs, alcohol or have any additional needs that we should consider to ensure we provide you with the most appropriate care. While these types of questions are not mandatory before your consultation, completing them will give you more time with your clinician to discuss things you might want to raise with them.
If I'm under 16 and get my parent's or guardian's permission, can I use LVNDR?
No, LVNDR is a service for individuals strictly over the age of 16. You can find resources to help you find a more suitable service in our support page (add link as well).
What is LVNDR's cancellation policy?
For remote testing, you are able to cancel the order only before it is shipped, after that you will receive the kit regargless of the cancellation. For appointment booking you are able to cancel at any time, but please be aware that our clinicians may contact you for a follow up to ensure you are safe. For prescription and medication ordering, once the prescription is validated by our pharmacy, the medication will be delivered without an option for cancellation.
How do I cancel my LVNDR test kit order?
For remote testing, you are able to cancel the order only before it is shipped, after that you will receive the kit regardless of the cancellation.
Is LVNDR venture backed?
Our mission is for LGBTQ+ individuals to sexualy thrive, explore their identities freely by delivery barrier-free and reliable care. Creating a new way to provide patient-controlled healthcare is a big endeavor, which is why venture capital is one way to have the backing we need to be boosted forward and build systems with our community at the heart.
We believe successfully developing a service that empowers our community to access care on their terms and working with public health partners to do so while earling a fair profit is a fair trade in order for us to continue to grow and expand into new geographies and make sure that one day queer care isn’t relagated to certain areas but is accessible no matter where you are.
For LVNDR, earning a fair profit also means we get to employ and work alongside incredible talented queer, trans and non-binary team members all the while re-investing to expand LVNDR's services and make sure we keep them up to standard.
Notes:
Want to add a part that says something about the fact that we know people might disagree but we made a choice.
Some may disagree with the idea that a company should make a profit when it comes to healthcare. We honor this opinion. And so we choose to be entirely transparent about how we have been funded.We also believe that opinion must be considered in the context of the current healthcare system. The current system is locked into an insurance scheme that perversely incentivizes insurance companies to skimp on care & providers to make decisions on behalf of patients based on how they get paid.So, instead we have chosen to be entirely transparent with our offerings and prices. Our customers control what they get and they decide if they are happy with the outcome. Not insurance. Not providers. Our big bet in being VC-funded is that, for the queer and trans folx we serve, control and transparency are worth paying for.
How does LVNDR ensure security and privacy?
LVNDR stores your anonymysed data on secure servers in the UK. The data s not accessible to anyone (not even the LVNDR team). Once you begin your PrEP journey, only the relevant information regarding your appointment will be shared with our clinical team so that they can review your test results, complete a consultation, and provide your medication safely.
How do labs work with LVNDR?
LVNDR works with one of the largest and most reputable pathology labs in London. No identifiable information is ever shared with them. Your samples are attached to a unique patient identifier. No identifiable details will always be separate from the actual testing of the samples.
Details: all samples are labeled with a barcode that will be programmatically linked to your LVNDR ID so that LVNDR can identify that the results are yours. Lab patients do not have access to the delivery information provided (name, gender, number, address, DOB) but only to the barcoded samples, and the delivery people will not have access to the results.
What name will my lab test?
Our lab will never attach your name, address or any personally identifiable details to your test results. Our labs are only provided key biodata to allow successful testing of samples, including a unique LVNDR patient ID. LVNDR will use this unique patient ID to match the test results with your profile. All patient data is stored in a secure and confidentail manner on LVNDR servers.
How do I access my lab order and results?
You will be contacted to arrange an appointment with a LVNDR clinician shortly after your samples are received at the lab for testing. This is usually within 48 hours. Once your results are ready, you will be able to book an appointment with one of our LVNDR clinicians to talk through your results and your options for PrEP.
Is there any difference between prescriptions I get at a clinic and the ones provided by LVNDR?
Is the medication included with the LVNDR service?
Yes, PrEP medication is included in the LVNDR pilot
What if I already have a PrEP provider and want to switch over to LVNDR?
Can I choose to pick my perscription in person?
Not at present. As we are a remote service the prescription will be delivered to the address you choose to provide.
Can I return my medication?
What services are included with LVNDR?
During this pilot, LVNDR's services will include: home monitoring with PrEP test kits, remote consultations with a LGBTQ+ specialist LVNDR clinician through the LVNDR app, as well as prescribing and delivery of PrEP medication. We're also looking to expand our services in the future.
Do I need to register with LVNDR to see a clinician?
Yes, you need to register with LVNDR in order to speak to an LGBTQ+ clinican through the LVNDR app.
How do I see a LVNDR clinician?
During the Pilot period, you can only see a LVNDR clinician after you have returned your PrEP monitoring test kit. You will be notified and are able to book an appointment to speak to a clinician.
Does LVNDR provide mental health services?
No, LVNDR does not provide specific mental health services as part of this pilot. However, you can speak to your LVNDR clinician during your consultations about any concerns you may have where we will work to signpost you to the most appropriate service or support.
Does LVNDR provide letters for gender affirming surgeries?
Not at present, however our experienced LVNDR clinicians are able to provide support should you want to ask any questions relating to gender affirming care where we will work to signpost you to the most appropriate service or support.
Does LVNDR provide letters for gender marker or name change?
No, LVNDR does not provide letters for gender marker or name change just yet.
What if I am having an emergency?
At present, LVNDR is unable to support in emergency cases. For PEP, please access your local sexual health service or local emergency department. Emergency contraception is available through some pharmacies or through sexual health services. If you are unwell , then you must attend your local urgent care centre or emergency department, even if this means dialling 999. If you are in a crisis with your mental health.
How do I contact my LVNDR clinician?
At the moment, the only way to get in contact with your LVNDR clinician is through the consultation service. If there is any additional information you would like to discuss with our team, you can use the support email or call the LVNDR number +44 2079594428.
How long will it take to get my prescriptions?
If PrEP if suitable for you, the clinician will complete a prescription at the end of the consultation, which we will send to our Pharmacy. Your medication should then arrive, via first class royal mail, within 1-3 working days at your chosen address.
Are prescriptions shipped discretely? What if I don't want to ship my prescriptions to where I live?
During your consultation, you are able to specify to your clinician, to which address and under what name you would like to receive the medication.
Do I need to sign for my prescription delivery?
We do not require a signature for your medication delivery.
What if I want to pick my prescription up at the pharmacy?
LVNDR does not currently provide prescriptions that can be picked up from community pharmacies. All our medication is shipped directly from our remote pharmacy partner after your consultation to an address of your choice.
What is PrEP?
“PrEP” stands for “Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis”. PrEP is a type of medication taken to prevent the transmission of HIV. It contains two medicines, Emtricitabine 200mg & Tenofovir 245mg combined in one pill.
What should I do before starting PrEP?
- A full STI screen, even if you don’t have any symptoms.
LVNDR provides you with the below tests:
- An HIV antibody antigen test. These tests have a much shorter window period than other tests – they can give an accurate result 4 weeks after potential exposure to HIV. It’s a good idea to repeat the HIV test after 4 weeks to make sure an acute or recent infection was not missed by the first test.
- A hepatitis B test, to rule out an active hep B infection. The the drugs in PrEP can also suppress the hep B virus and we’d take this into consideration when helping you start or more importantly stop taking PrEP.
- A blood test to check your kidney function. In a very small number of people PrEP can damage renal (kidney) function. This is rare and usual only in people with existing kidney problems or taking other medication that may affect their kidneys.
Event vs daily PrEP?
Daily PrEP involves taking a pill a day, everyday at the same time.
Event based PrEP involves taking the pill for 7 days straight before your sexual interaction.
Choosing between event based or daily PrEP depends on the lifestyle you lead. Ask you clinician which one is right for you.
How long after I stop then start PrEP am I convered?
It’s okay to stop taking PrEP if you plan not to have sex for awhile. Before you start taking PrEP again, take an HIV test again and wait at least seven days after your first dose to start having sex again. Ask you clinician if you have any questions.
Can PrEP be used by everyone?
PrEP is suitable for people that have had a HIV negative test result and are having regular unprotected sex. However, certain groups of people may not be suitable for this medication, such as those with kidney problems. Therefore, it's always best to check with your sexual health team to ensure PrEP is right for you.
Is it safe and legal to buy PrEP online?
The website iwantprepnow.co.uk lists a number of online pharmacies that have been checked and verified. Checks have been made to ensure that the sites are reliable and that the PrEP they are selling is genuine. Many of these sites do not accept credit/debit cards but instead use bank or wire transfers, and sometimes Pay Pal for payments.
Can I take PrEP with other medicines?
This will depend on what other medication you might be taking. To get the most from your consultation and to help answer this question, please complete the questionnaire about any medication you take before seeing one of our LVNDR clinicians.
Does PrEP prevent pregnancy or STIs?
Although PrEP is highly effective at preventing the transmission of HIV, it won't protect you from other STIs or an unplanned pregnancy, where barriers methods would be appropriate.
What is STI prophylaxis?
STI prophylaxis involves taking an antibiotic pill to prevent bacterial STIs, such as syphilis and chlamydia.8
Where else can I learn more about PrEP
PrEP INFORMATION ONLINE
Find out more about PrEP - including for key groups of people - from these websites.
Aidsmap
i-base
Terrence Higgins Trust
I Want PrEP Now
Women and PrEP
cliniQ
Does PrEP have side effects?
The side effects of taking PrEP are mild and improve with time. They can sometimes include diarrhoea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach cramps. Often, they will disappear within a few weeks. Taking the pill with a snack or meal at bedtime can help with side effects. If the side effects don't improve, please get in touch.
Is PrEP right for me?
If you’re having sex, PrEP may be right for you. HIV can be passed on between people having sex without protection. PrEP can be for anyone but is generally recommended for:
Men and trans women having sex with men without condoms
People having sex with partners from areas where HIV is more common If you’re someone who sells sex and doesn’t always use protection
Trans men or women who have sex with male partners that are bisexual
People who have partners living with HIV with a detectable viral load or don’t know their HIV status
Note: a person living with HIV on treatment with an undetectable viral load cannot pass on HIV, even when having unprotected sex. Undetectable = Untransmissable.
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