PrEP
(Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

 

HIV PrEP: A Powerful Tool in HIV Prevention

 

HIV remains a global public health challenge, but advances in science have made it more preventable than ever. One of the most effective tools in the fight against HIV is **PrEP**, which stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. PrEP is a daily medication that significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection in people who are HIV-negative but at high risk of exposure.

 

What Is PrEP?

 

PrEP involves taking a prescription medication—most commonly Truvada or Descovy —on a daily basis. These medications contain antiretroviral drugs that prevent HIV from establishing a permanent infection if the virus enters the body. PrEP is intended for individuals who do not have HIV but are at substantial risk of acquiring it through sex or injection drug use.

 

How Effective Is PrEP?

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When taken consistently every day, PrEP can reduce the risk of getting HIV from sexual activity by about 99%. Among people who inject drugs, it reduces the risk by at least 74%. Its effectiveness drops if the medication is not taken regularly, which makes adherence crucial.

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Who Should Consider PrEP?

 

PrEP is recommended for individuals who:

 

- Have a sexual partner with HIV, especially if the partner has a detectable viral load.

- Have multiple sexual partners and do not consistently use condoms.

- Are men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly if they have had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past six months.

- Inject drugs and share needles or other equipment.

- Have been prescribed post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) multiple times.

 

PrEP is also an option for heterosexual men and women, transgender individuals, and anyone seeking to protect themselves from HIV.

 

How to Get Started

 

The PrEP consultation involves the following steps:

 

1. HIV Testing – To ensure the individual is HIV-negative.

2. Kidney Function Test – PrEP medications can affect the kidneys.

3. STI Screening – Part of overall sexual health care.

4. Discussion of Risk Factors – To determine if PrEP is appropriate.

 

Once prescribed, the person takes one pill daily and follows up with us or their primary care provider every three months for HIV testing, prescription refills, and health monitoring.

 

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Is PrEP Safe?

 

Yes, PrEP is generally safe and well-tolerated. Some people experience mild side effects like nausea or headache when they first start, but these usually go away. Serious side effects are rare. It’s important to discuss any health conditions or medications with a provider to ensure PrEP is a good fit.

 

Myths and Misunderstandings

 

Other misconceptions about PrEP, including:

 

- PrEP is only for gay men. This is false. PrEP is for anyone at high risk of HIV, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

- I don’t need condoms if I take PrEP. While PrEP protects against HIV, it does **not** protect against other STIs like gonorrhea or chlamydia. Condoms still play a vital role in sexual health.

- Taking a pill every day is too hard. Many people find that with reminders or routines, taking PrEP becomes a simple part of their daily life.

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PrEP is a powerful, proven method of preventing HIV. It's a tool that empowers people to take control of their health and reduce anxiety around HIV exposure. If you think PrEP might be right for you or someone you know, please feel free to reach out to our pharmacists for a PrEP consultation . The more people know about PrEP, the closer we get to ending the HIV epidemic.