Here are some of the most common questions people have about PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) for HIV prevention: 1. **What is PrEP?** PrEP is a daily medication that helps prevent HIV infection in people who are at high risk. 2. **How effective is PrEP?** When taken consistently, PrEP reduces the risk of HIV from sex by about 99% and from injection drug use by at least 74%. 3. **Who should take PrEP?** PrEP is recommended for individuals at higher risk of HIV, including those with an HIV-positive partner, people who engage in unprotected sex, or those who share needles. 4. **Are there side effects?** Some people experience mild side effects like nausea or headaches, but these usually go away after a few weeks. 5. **Do I still need to use condoms?** While PrEP is highly effective, using condoms provides additional protection against HIV and other STIs. 6. **How do I start PrEP?** Talk to a healthcare provider to get tested for HIV and discuss whether PrEP is right for you. 7. **Is PrEP covered by insurance?** Many insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover PrEP. There are also assistance programs for those without coverage. 8. **How often do I need medical checkups while on PrEP?** Regular follow-ups (usually every 3 months) are required for HIV testing, prescription refills, and monitoring side effects. 9. **Can I stop PrEP if my risk changes?** Yes, but consult your doctor first to ensure safe discontinuation and discuss alternative prevention methods. 10. **Does PrEP protect against other STIs?** No, PrEP only prevents HIV. Condoms and regular STI testing are still important for overall sexual health. Would you like more details on any of these?

In recent years, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) has gained significant recognition as an effective HIV prevention method. Yet despite increased awareness, many questions persist about PrEP. This article addresses the most common queries regarding PrEP, including how it works, dosing frequency, the importance of undetectable viral loads, and other key aspects.

Prep

How does PrEP prevent HIV infection?

PrEP works by blocking HIV’s ability to replicate and spread in the body. The medication inhibits an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which the virus needs to multiply. By disrupting this process, PrEP stops HIV from establishing infection and eventually clears it from the system.

Is regular PrEP use necessary for effectiveness?

Yes, consistent daily use is crucial for PrEP to work effectively. Taking the medication at the same time each day maintains protective drug levels in your system, ensuring continuous HIV prevention.

Is lifelong PrEP use required?

PrEP duration depends on individual HIV risk factors. Those at ongoing high risk may need long-term or indefinite use, while others can reduce or stop when their risk decreases. Importantly, PrEP is a preventive regimen, not a one-time treatment.

Does PrEP protect against other STIs?

While highly effective against HIV, PrEP doesn’t prevent other sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, or syphilis. Additional protection methods are recommended.

Can PrEP be used for single-night protection?

No, PrEP requires consistent use to establish protective drug levels. Single-night use won’t provide HIV protection as adequate medication concentration hasn’t been achieved.

What happens if I miss a PrEP dose?

While consistent use is ideal, occasional missed doses don’t immediately negate protection. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and resume your regular schedule.

Can I share PrEP with an HIV-positive partner?

Never share PrEP medication. Doing so may cause allergic reactions, side effects, or interfere with HIV treatment medications the person may be taking.

Who should consider taking PrEP?

PrEP is recommended for individuals at increased HIV risk, including:

  • Men who have sex with men
  • Transgender individuals having sex with men or with a history of unprotected sex
  • Heterosexual individuals with HIV-positive partners, in sex work, or with condomless sex history
  • People who inject drugs or share needles

What types of PrEP are available?

The most common PrEP treatment combines two medications: emtricitabine and tenofovir, available as generic or under the brand name Truvada.

What does U=U mean?

U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) means people with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load through treatment cannot sexually transmit the virus. Undetectable means virus levels are too low for standard tests to detect.

Should condoms be used with PrEP?

Yes, condom use remains important. While PrEP is highly effective against HIV, it doesn’t prevent other STIs, and there’s still a minimal HIV transmission risk.

Is PrEP available through MedsBird?

Yes, MedsBird offers convenient PrEP access without requiring doctor visits or prescriptions, with discreet home delivery.

What is the PrEP Care Continuum?

This framework outlines PrEP care stages to help providers improve access and retention:

  1. Awareness – Educating about PrEP
  2. Access – Ensuring PrEP availability
  3. Initiation – Starting PrEP for eligible individuals
  4. Adherence – Maintaining proper medication use
  5. Retention – Providing ongoing PrEP support

What are acute HIV infection symptoms?

Early HIV infection may cause flu-like symptoms appearing 2-4 weeks after exposure, including:

  1. Fever
  2. Fatigue
  3. Skin rashes
  4. Headaches
  5. Sore throat
  6. Muscle/joint pain
  7. Diarrhea
  8. Nausea/vomiting

How does nPEP differ from PrEP?

While both prevent HIV, nPEP (non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis) is taken after potential exposure, starting within 72 hours and continuing for 28 days. PrEP is taken daily before potential exposure.

Sources

https://www.greaterthan.org/prep-faq/

https://www.prepwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/z-fold_FAQbrochurePrEPsa.pdf

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