Talk PrEP

The conversation about HIV is changing.

PrEP

PrEP or pre-exposure prophylaxis is a medication for individuals with a high risk of contracting HIV from sex or infusion drug utilization. This is recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) under the HIV prevention strategy. It is accessible just on remedy in many spots.

The PrEP medication is sold as Truvada and Descovy endorsed by the FDA. It is a blend of two medications, tenofovir, and emtricitabine taken accurately to keep HIV from grabbing hold of your body.

PrEP is very effective when taken as prescribed. In accordance with the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a daily dosage of PrEP reduces the risk of contracting HIV from sex by more than 99%. In people who inject drugs, PrEP reduces the risk of contracting HIV by more than 74% if used without fail. And using condoms and PrEP together helps you stay even safer. PrEP doesn’t prevent other sexually transmitted infections, like gonorrhea and chlamydia.

PrEP

PrEP is safe to use. But, occasionally it can have mild side effects like upset stomach, dizziness, feeling sick, headaches, and weight loss, mainly at the beginning of treatment. These side effects usually last for a few days and might stop within a month. If these do not stop it is important to contact your doctor.

Rarely, people with pre-existing kidney problems might have issues with PrEP usage, thus it is important to have a kidney function test before starting PrEP. Also, PrEP usage might lead to a very small reduction in bone density. The bone density would not get worse with ongoing PrEP use and would return to normal after stopping PrEP.

PrEP side-effects might be minimized by using PrEP when it's possible to change from daily dosing to non-daily dosing or taking PrEP only during times of known risk (such as before holiday). Just because these side-effects are rare does not make them insignificant. You require the right information and support strategies before starting PrEP.


Do I still have to use condoms while taking PrEP?

PrEP protects from the transmission of HIV as well as HIV taking hold in the body but the protection is not 100%. Condoms provide that extra protection from HIV, even while you are on PrEP. To ensure greater protection from HIV it is advised to combine PrEP with other ways like condoms. Unlike PrEP, condoms also protect against sexually transmitted (STDs) and prevent unwanted pregnancy.

How effective is PrEP?

PrEP is very effective when taken as prescribed. In accordance with the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a daily dosage of PrEP reduces the risk of contracting HIV from sex by more than 99%. In people who inject drugs, PrEP reduces the risk of contracting HIV by more than 74% if used without fail. And using condoms and PrEP together helps you stay even safer.

PrEP doesn’t prevent other sexually transmitted infections, like gonorrhea and chlamydia. So use condoms along with PrEP to help you avoid other STDs and give you extra protection against HIV.

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How can I get PrEP?

PrEp is available at health clinics, local health departments, doctors’ offices, and pharmacists’ offices. Your health care provider will talk with you about the sex you have, the protection measures you use, and your clinical history to check whether PrEP is ideal for you.

Laws to buy PrEP online is different in countries. It is important to check the local laws of the country from where you are buying PrEP. You can purchase PrEP online or from a pharmacist with a valid prescription from your doctor or GP.


FDA Approves First Injectable Treatment for HIV Pre-Exposure Prevention

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Apretude (cabotegravir extended-release injectable suspension) for use in at-risk adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kilograms (77 pounds) for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV. Apretude is given first as two initiation injections administered one month apart, and then every two months thereafter. Patients can either start their treatment with Apretude or take oral cabotegravir (Vocabria) for four weeks to assess how well they tolerate the drug.