PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) may be a solution for you if you don’t have HIV but are at high risk of getting it. Your likelihood of contracting HIV might be significantly decreased by taking this medicine once daily.
It is a once-daily medicine to stop the spread of HIV cases. It is intended for those who do not currently have HIV but are at a higher risk of contracting the disease.
PrEP helps reduce your risk of getting HIV by preventing you from being infected. People who have HIV already cannot use it.
There are now two different antiviral medicines available for PrEP. They are highly effective at preventing HIV cases when taken on a regular basis.
How can PrEP prevent HIV infection?
PrEP medications are within the category of antiviral drugs known as NRTIs (Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors. They function by preventing the virus’s growth inside your body.
You must get a negative HIV test result before to starting PrEP and at least once every three months while taking the drug.
If you’ve been in contact with HIV or exhibit acute HIV symptoms, you should wait to resume taking PrEP until you have a negative test result.
PrEP is ineffective at treating HIV on its own, and if it is used while HIV is present, drug resistance could emerge. For this reason, it is essential for waiting a negative test result.
Your personal health considerations will determine how long you take PrEP. Consult a healthcare professional about your medical history and how often you should take PrEP.
Different forms of PrEP?
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- Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate
It comes in both the generic and brand forms. It is available in a variety of strengths, and doctors usually recommend a certain dosage for PrEP or HIV treatment.
It is administered once daily to adults and children who weight at least 35 kilograms (about 77 pounds) and comes in tablet form. It is acceptable for both genders.
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- Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide
Those who weigh at least 35 kilogrammes (77 pounds) in adult or teenage form may use it.
The efficacy of this medication has not been evaluated in females who are more likely to contract HIV through vaginal intercourse, hence it is not recommended for use by them.
Those who inject drugs are advised to take these medications, if
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- They share syringes and needles
- have a HIV positive partner
Ask a medical practitioner about starting PrEP if you’ve been given post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) more than once and your risk of getting HIV remains high.
Is taking PrEP for HIV safe?
Despite the fact that these medications are generally safe, some people may develop negative effects. A few of these adverse effects could be quite harmful.
Consult a healthcare expert about any medical issues you may have, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of PrEP, before beginning any drug. For instance, using these medications might not be advisable if you have severe kidney problems.
If you have HIV, it’s essential not to utilize PrEP drugs. This is because if you take the medication while you have HIV, the drug may develop resistance to the virus.
Before starting the medicine, a blood test will be performed, and you will have one more test at least every three months while you are on it.
