What Is PrEP

PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a new preventive treatment option that keeps HIV-negative people from becoming infected. PrEP includes taking a pill once a day, discreetly to stay HIV-negative. Used in conjunction with condoms, it is highly effective in preventing HIV infection. PrEP prevents HIV in people that may be at risk of getting the virus.

HOW DO I KNOW IF PrEP IS RIGHT FOR ME:

People use PrEP to stay negative for many reasons. Talk to a medical provider if any of the following apply to you:

You have multiple sexual partners
You have been the receptive sexual partner without condoms, especially with a partner who is HIV-positive or whose status you don’t know
Your primary sexual partner(s) is HIV-positive
Have a partner who is HIV-positive and are considering getting pregnant
Gay or bisexual man who has had anal sex without using a condom or been diagnosed with an STD in the past 6 months
You or your sexual partner(s) use injection drugs
You have been treated recently for a non-oral STI
You have taken PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) more than once in the past year
Your sexual partner(s) refuses to use condoms during sex, or you find it challenging to consistently use condoms

HOW DOES PrEP WORK:

PrEP helps prevent HIV from spreading in your body. The PrEP prevention option includes taking a pill. Currently Truvada®isthe only pill approved for the use of PrEP. Truvada®contains the same medicines that people with HIV use to stay healthy. Truvada®, is a combination of emtricitabine (Emtriva®) and tenofovir (Viread®).If you are exposed to HIV, these medicines can help stop the virus from multiplying and spreading throughout your body. PrEP only works if you have enough medicine in your body, so you need to take it as prescribed.

IS PrEP EFFECTIVE:

In different studies, people who took PrEP consistently were over 90% less likely to get HIV than people in comparison groups who were not taking PrEP. PrEP does not provide 100% protection against HIV. You can still get HIV, especially if you do not take PrEP every day. Experts recommend taking PrEP daily in combination with other safer sex practices (condom use and regular HIV/STI testing) in order to significantly reduce your risk of contracting HIV.

HOW DO I GET PrEP:

If you think PrEP is right for you, contact The HOPE Center. Once you have decided you want PrEP there are several procedures to follow to making sure you meet all the criteria.

You will meet with a healthcare provider who will screen you for the medication, give you an HIV test and test for hepatitis B, kidney function and STIs. If PrEP is a good fit, you’ll receive a prescription and take the medication every day. Once you start taking PrEP, you’ll return to your provider once every three months (90 days) for follow-up care, including blood tests, HIV and STI screenings, assessment of any side effects, discussion of HIV risks, an assessment of your experience with the medication in addition to a prescription refill.

THE PrEP PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE HIV-NEGATIVE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

Routine HIV testing
Taking one Truvada pill, once a day, every day
Using condoms to prevent STDs
Periodic STD screening
Education about how to reduce the risk of getting HIV and STDs
Private counseling and support for taking the medication regularly

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS:

Click here for the most popular Frequently Asked Questions. Be sure to also contact The HOPE Center if you have any specific questions.

PrEP is a prevention option that includes taking a pill discreetly, once a day. PrEP can help protect you from getting HIV.