PrEP: What You Need To Know

PrEP: What You Need To Know

What Is PrEP?

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a medicine that people without HIV take to lower their chance of getting HIV.

  • The Medicine: Usually a pill containing two HIV medicines (tenofovir and emtricitabine).
  • HIV Only: It does not protect against other STIs like gonorrhea or syphilis, and it does not prevent pregnancy.
  • Recent Exposure? If you think you were exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, you need PEP (emergency medicine), not PrEP. See a doctor as soon as possible.

Safety of PrEP

PrEP is safe for most people.

  • Common Side Effects: Nausea, headache, or an upset stomach. These are usually mild and go away within the first few weeks.
  • Less Common: Small changes in kidney function or bone density. Your doctor checks this with regular blood tests.
  • HIV Test First: You must test HIV-negative before starting. Taking PrEP while already having HIV can make the virus resistant to treatment.

Effectiveness of PrEP

  • When Taken as Prescribed: PrEP lowers the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%.
  • Missed Doses: PrEP works much less well if doses are missed.
  • Time to Protection: Daily PrEP needs about 7 days to protect during anal sex and about 21 days for vaginal sex.

Who Should Consider PrEP?

PrEP may be right for you if you are HIV-negative and:

  • Have a partner living with HIV.
  • Don’t always use condoms with partners whose HIV status you don’t know.
  • Have had an STI in the last 6 months.
  • Share needles or injection equipment.
  • Have used PEP more than once.

A doctor can help you decide whether PrEP suits you.

How to Take PrEP

  • Daily PrEP: Take one pill every day, at about the same time, with or without food. This works for everyone.
  • On-Demand PrEP (2-1-1): An option only for men who have sex with men, and only after a doctor explains it. It is not suitable for vaginal sex.
  • Regular Check-Ups: An HIV test and other tests every 3 months while on PrEP.
  • Missed a Dose? Take it when you remember. Don’t take two pills at once.
  • Don’t Stop on Your Own: Talk to your doctor before stopping.
  • Keep Using Condoms: To protect against other STIs.

Remember: PrEP is a powerful tool for preventing HIV, but it works best when taken consistently as prescribed. Talk to a healthcare provider to find out if PrEP is right for you and to ask any questions you may have.