She Strengthens

Protecting Yourself from HIV: Understanding PrEP

Are you HIV-negative but at risk of exposure? You’re not alone, and there’s a game-changing medication that can help: PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). Introduced in 2012, PrEP is a preventive measure that can significantly reduce your risk of contracting HIV. But what exactly is PrEP, and how can you get it?

What is PrEP?

PrEP is a medication you take regularly to prevent HIV infection. It’s not the same as PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), which is taken after a potential exposure to HIV. Think of PrEP like preparing for a safe and healthy sexual experience.

Types of PrEP

There are three types of PrEP available:

• Truvada (pill)
• Descovy (pill)
• Apretude (injection)

Who is PrEP for?

PrEP is designed for HIV-negative adults and teens of any gender who engage in activities that put them at risk of contracting HIV. This includes:

• Men who have sex with men
• Couples where one partner has HIV and the other doesn’t
• Sex workers
• People who use injection drugs
• Those whose partners use injection drugs
• Individuals who don’t regularly use condoms or other barrier methods during sex

Who shouldn’t take PrEP?

PrEP isn’t suitable for everyone. You should consult your doctor if you:

• Have had an allergic reaction to PrEP’s ingredients
• Have severe liver or kidney problems
• Have a weakened immune system
• Have hepatitis
• Are HIV-positive
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

How do I take PrEP?

PrEP can be taken in different ways:

• Truvada and Descovy are daily pills
• Apretude is an injection given every 2 months after an initial 2-month series

It’s essential to stick to your medication schedule to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Getting PrEP

To start taking PrEP, you’ll need to find a healthcare professional who prescribes it. You can talk to your current doctor or find a new one through community health centers. Your doctor will perform an HIV test and may conduct other tests before prescribing PrEP. You’ll need to repeat these tests every 3 months to continue taking oral PrEP or before each scheduled injection.

Does PrEP prevent HIV?

Yes! According to the CDC, PrEP is 99% effective in reducing the risk of contracting HIV from sex when taken as prescribed. It’s also effective in reducing the risk of getting HIV from injecting drugs.

Cost and Accessibility

PrEP can be expensive, but there are options to make it more affordable. If you have health insurance, your plan may cover the medication, clinic visits, and lab tests. You can also apply for copay assistance or free PrEP through programs like Ready, Set, PrEP.

Side Effects and Resistance

Some people may experience mild, temporary side effects like nausea, diarrhea, or headaches. These side effects are not serious and usually fade away. Researchers are exploring whether taking PrEP might create resistance to HIV medications, but this is rare and mostly occurs when someone starts taking PrEP while already HIV-positive.

The Bottom Line

PrEP is a proactive way to increase your chances of staying HIV-negative. It’s effective, but you need to keep up with testing to continue taking it. With the right resources and support, PrEP can give you peace of mind while enjoying a healthy and fulfilling life.