HIV Prevention Medication Provides Protection for All Individuals

HIV Prevention Medication Provides Protection for All Individuals

Taking control of your health starts with making informed decisions, and that includes understanding and considering options like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is a preventative measure designed to shield you from HIV infection. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of what PrEP really means for you.

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Dr. James Hekman, an internal medicine specialist, is here to fill you in on everything you need to know about PrEP, including how it works, who should use it, and what to expect.

What is PrEP?

PrEP is a game-changer when it comes to HIV prevention. There are three forms of PrEP available:

• Truvada®, a daily pills containing tenofovir disoproxil and emtricitabine, suitable for anyone weighing 77 pounds or more who is at risk of getting HIV. The generic version is a handy option too.
• Descovy®, another daily pill with tenofovir alafenamide and emtricitabine, primarily designed for men who weigh 77 pounds or more and are sexually active. Sadly, it's not an option for women at risk of HIV through vaginal sex since there are no studies on its effectiveness in this group. Descovy's generic form isn't available in the U.S. as of now.
• Apretude®, a long-acting injectable form of cabotegravir, is a prescription injection given every two months. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December 2021, Apretude proves especially useful for adolescents 12 and older, as well as adults who weigh 77 pounds or more and have a hard time remembering to take daily medications.

Why should you consider PrEP?

Thanks to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), our immune systems can take a beating. HIV transmission happens through broken skin, sexual contact, or sharing needles for injections. Regrettably, HIV is still on the rise, particularly among women and girls, men who have sex with men, and racial minorities.

But, fear not. With PrEP, you can take control of your health and reduce your risk of contracting HIV before coming into contact with it.

So, who is eligible for PrEP?

Anyone who doesn't have HIV but is at risk of contracting it should consider taking PrEP. Consult your primary care doctor or any healthcare provider to answer your questions and determine whether a prescription for PrEP is right for you.

In some cases, your provider may recommend PrEP if:

• You have a sexual partner with HIV
• You have multiple sexual partners or don't use condoms
• You aren't participating in safer sex practices
• You've been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past six months
• You've been exposed to HIV in the past
• You use shared needles for injections

Don't be fooled; even if you're in a monogamous relationship, you could still be at risk for contracting HIV. Protect yourself by consulting your provider if you think you might be at risk.

Now that we've covered the basics, let's talk about how to use PrEP.

First, your healthcare provider will conduct an HIV test. If the test comes back negative, you're good to go. Take PrEP consistently, as prescribed, for full protection. Expect peak protection against HIV in about two weeks after starting daily oral PrEP and injection drug use.

When taken correctly, both pill forms of PrEP can reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and lower the risk from injection drug use by at least 74%. Just remember to keep those daily reminders handy, so you don't forget your doses.

When it comes to side effects, PrEP is generally safe, but you might experience symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, or stomach pain. Inform your healthcare provider if these issues persist. Additionally, if you have kidney disease or a history of hepatitis B, be sure to disclose that information to your provider.

Lastly, it's important to know that PrEP does not prevent the spread of other STIs. Employ condom use and safer sex practices for optimal protection against other STIs.

Remember, PrEP is most effective when started before exposure to HIV. If you've been exposed to HIV and aren't already onPrEP, seek medical attention immediately within 72 hours to discuss post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

If you're ready to learn more about PrEP or want to start taking it, reach out to your healthcare provider. They'll be able to answer your questions and guide you through the process of getting PrEP. Keep in mind that nationwide health services and LGBTQIA+-focused doctor's offices are available to provide support and care tailored to your unique needs. Don't forget to ask about financial assistance options if you're concerned about paying for PrEP. Get out there and take charge of your health! <

1. Taking control of your health involves making informed decisions, considering options like PrEP for HIV prevention.
2. PrEP is a game-changer in the realm of HIV prevention, available in three forms: Truvada, Descovy, and Apretude.
3. Truvada, a daily pill containing tenofovir disoproxil and emtricitabine, is suitable for those weighing 77 pounds or more at risk of HIV.
4. Descovy, another daily pill with tenofovir alafenamide and emtricitabine, is primarily designed for men who weigh 77 pounds or more and are sexually active.
5. Apretude, a long-acting injectable form of cabotegravir, is a prescription injection given every two months and may be useful for adolescents 12 and older or those who have a hard time remembering daily medications.
6. PrEP can help reduce the risk of HIV transmission through broken skin, sexual contact, or shared needles.
7. HIV continues to rise, particularly among women, racial minorities, men who have sex with men, and girls.
8. PrEP allows individuals at risk of HIV to take control of their health and reduce the risk of contracting HIV before exposure.
9. Anyone at risk of HIV, regardless of their sexual orientation or relationship status, should consider taking PrEP.
10. Consult your primary care doctor or any healthcare provider to determine whether a prescription for PrEP is right for you.
11. Your healthcare provider may recommend PrEP if you have a sexual partner with HIV, multiple sexual partners, don't use condoms, or have other risk factors.
12. Even in monogamous relationships, there's a risk of contracting HIV, so protect yourself by consulting your provider.
13. First, your healthcare provider will conduct an HIV test before prescribing PrEP.
14. Take PrEP consistently as prescribed for full protection against HIV.
15. Both pill forms of PrEP can reduce the risk of HIV from sex by about 99% and from injection drug use by at least 74%.
16. Side effects of PrEP are generally mild and may include nausea, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, or stomach pain.
17. Inform your healthcare provider if these side effects persist or if you have a history of hepatitis B or kidney disease.
18. PrEP does not prevent the spread of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so use condoms and safer sex practices for optimal protection.
19. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be sought if you've been exposed to HIV and aren't already on PrEP within 72 hours.
20. Reach out to your healthcare provider to learn more about PrEP or to start taking it.
21. Health services and LGBTQIA+-focused doctor's offices are available to provide support and care tailored to your unique needs.
22. Financial assistance options may be available if you're concerned about paying for PrEP.
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