Imagine a world with no HIV infections. Pre-exposure prophylaxis, often called PrEP, is bringing the world closer to this reality. Just a generation back, millions of people infected with HIV faced the likelihood of eventually succumbing to AIDS. Thanks to PrEP East Village, people at risk of HIV infection can now minimize their risk of HIV. It is the closest thing to an HIV vaccine and has transformed the world of HIV in the United States and worldwide. Read on to learn important facts about the drug that offers hope in the fight against HIV.
PrEP is for people at risk of HIV
Anyone that is HIV-negative but at risk of getting the infection can take PrEP. High-risk patients include those with multiple sexual partners, who don’t use condoms consistently, and sex partners with HIV. Engaging in anal sex also increases your risk of getting HIV. PrEP is also recommended for intravenous drug users who share needles. Although people are advised to use clean needles, PrEP should be considered if there is any chance of IV drug users sharing needles.
PrEP is not a substitute for safe sex
PrEP minimizes the risk of getting HIV from sex by more than 90%, but it is vital to practice safe sex by using condoms consistently. There is still a slight chance of acquiring HIV while on PrEP. Also, the medication does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
PrEP requires routine supervision
Before your doctor prescribes the pill, you need an HIV test to confirm that you are HIV-negative. Your healthcare provider may also order basic lab work to check your kidney function. Once you take the daily medication, you will need to see your care provider at least every three months for monitoring, refill the prescription, and run any necessary follow-up tests. Specialists recommend you repeat HIV testing every three months and be up to date with hepatitis B vaccination.
These visits may also involve STI testing to help detect and treat an STI you have acquired. You must take PrEP daily, but you can quit anytime since it is not a life-long medication.
The side effects are tolerable
Common side effects that one may experience include nausea, upset stomach, headache, and loss of appetite. However, many patients tolerate the medication well, with transient side effects that improve within one to two weeks. Regarding long-term outcomes, no serious problems are detected in patients who have been on PrEP for up to five years.
PrEP is different from PEP
PrEP is for people who have tested negative for HIV but are at high risk of getting the infection. It is not effective for people who have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours. On the other hand, post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, is used after possible exposure to HIV. It is an antiretroviral medication you must take within 72 hours of possible exposure and continue for four weeks.
Besides reducing your risk of HIV, PrEP also puts your mind at ease. If you are at risk of contracting HIV, consult your doctor at Matt Pabis, MD, to know how you can benefit from PrEP.