WHAT IS PREP?

PREP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a preventive treatment for HIV that involves taking medication to reduce the risk of contracting the virus. When taken consistently as prescribed, PREP is highly effective:

  • 99% effective in preventing HIV transmission through sexual contact.

  • At least 74% effective in reducing the risk from sharing needles or injection drug use

WHAT IS PREP?

PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a preventive treatment for HIV that involves taking medication to reduce the risk of contracting the virus. When taken consistently as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective:

  • 99% effective in preventing HIV transmission through sexual contact.

  • At least 74% effective in reducing the risk from sharing needles or injection drug use.

How PREP Works

PREP medications, such as Truvada or Descovy, contain antiretroviral drugs that block HIV from establishing an infection. These medications are taken daily in pill form or, more recently, as an injectable form administered by a healthcare provider.

Who Should Consider PREP?

PrEP is recommended for individuals who are HIV-negative and at high risk of exposure, including those who:

  • Have a sexual partner with HIV, especially if their viral load is unknown or detectable.

  • Engage in unprotected sex or have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past 6 months.

  • Inject drugs and share needles or other equipment.

  • Have been prescribed post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and continue engaging in high-risk behaviors.

Additionally, PrEP may be considered for individuals who are trying to conceive, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, provided they are HIV-negative and at risk of HIV exposure.

Side Effects and Safety

PrEP is generally safe for most individuals. Common side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain, which often subside over time. Serious side effects are rare but can include kidney issues, bone density changes, and liver problems. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is essential to monitor for any potential side effects.

Additional Considerations

While PrEP is highly effective against HIV, it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or prevent pregnancy. Therefore, combining PrEP with other preventive measures, such as condom use, is recommended to provide comprehensive protection.​If you're considering PrEP, consult with a healthcare provider to determine if it's the right choice based on your individual risk factors and health status.

Let's talk about PrEP!

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a great tool for protecting your sexual health, and we're here to answer your questions in a way that's easy to understand and puts your mind at ease.

How do I take PrEP for HIV?

PrEP is a pill that you take once a day, every day. It's important to take it consistently to keep the right amount of the drug in your body for maximum protection. Your doctor will also have you come in for regular checkups and HIV tests while you're on PrEP.

Where can I go to learn more about PrEP?

There are lots of great resources out there! A few to check out: • The CDC's PrEP page: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prep.html • PleasePrEPMe.org: https://www.pleaseprepme.org/ • Your local LGBTQ+ community center or HIV/AIDS service organization

How do I get PrEP for free or low-cost?

Do I need insurance?There are a few ways to get help paying for PrEP: • Many insurance plans cover PrEP, including Medicaid in some states • Drug assistance programs can help with co-pays or provide PrEP for free if you don't have insurance • Some community health centers and clinics offer PrEP on a sliding fee scale based on your income

What happens if you take PrEP while HIV positive?

PrEP is only meant for people who are HIV-negative. If someone who already has HIV takes PrEP instead of their regular HIV treatment, the virus could develop resistance to the medications in PrEP. This means those drugs might not work as well to treat their HIV in the future. If you're HIV-positive, it's crucial to work closely with your doctor to find the right treatment plan for you, which will likely include different medications than those used in PrEP.

Does PrEP prevent HIV?

Yes, PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV when taken as prescribed. Studies show that PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and from injection drug use by at least 74%. It works by stopping the virus from taking hold and spreading in your body if you're exposed to it. Just remember, PrEP doesn't protect against other STIs, so it's still important to use condoms for added protection.

Can HIV be detected while on PrEP?

Yes, HIV tests can still detect HIV infection while someone is taking PrEP. Regular HIV testing is actually an important part of being on PrEP to make sure it's working effectively.

What is PrEP for HIV?

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily pill that can help prevent HIV infection. It's for people who don't have HIV but are at higher risk of getting it.

Can you get HIV from someone on PrEP?

If someone is taking PrEP consistently and correctly, the risk of getting HIV from them is extremely low. PrEP helps protect both partners!

Can you take PrEP if you have HIV?

What happens if you take PrEP while HIV positive?PrEP is only for people who don't have HIV. If someone with HIV takes PrEP instead of their regular HIV treatment, the virus could develop resistance to the medications in PrEP. If you have HIV, it's important to work with your doctor on the right treatment plan for you.

Can you get HIV while on PrEP?

PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV when taken as prescribed. It reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%. But it's still important to use condoms for added protection and to prevent other STIs.

Still have questions?

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