what is prep treatment

What are the side effects of prep?

PrEP side effects include nausea, headaches, diarrhea, & vomiting. Less than 10% experience side effects from PrEP. Most side effects go away within 1-2 weeks.

How long before Prep is effective?

PrEP is not immediately effective. For people who have anal sex, PrEP becomes highly effective after seven days if it is taken every day. It takes longer to become effective—21 days of daily use—to be effective at preventing HIV after injection of drugs or in people having vaginal sex.

What is Prep and what does it do?

PrEP means Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, and it’s the use of anti-HIV medications to keep HIV negative people from becoming infected. PrEP is approved by the FDA and has been shown to be safe and effective at preventing HIV infection. Even though PrEP has been around in the U.S. since 2012, a lot of people still are looking to learn about it.

What is Prep and how it can prevent HIV?

PrEP is a daily pill that stops HIV from multiplying in your body in the event that you are exposed to the virus. For PrEP to be effective, a person has to take PrEP every single day. That’s what makes PrEP different than a vaccine, which is administered, say, once and can then fight off an infection for several years.

What does PrEP do to your body?

PrEP acts as a catalyst that helps the body produce antibodies, which help diseases causing germs and viruses. After contact with the virus, the tenofovir and emtricitabine block the enzyme needed by the virus to replicate. Used correctly, PrEP eliminates the risk of contracting the virus after exposure.

What is PrEP and who qualifies for it?

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is when people who do not have HIV but are at risk of getting HIV take HIV medicine every day to prevent HIV infection. PrEP is used by people without HIV who are at risk of being exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use.

What is treatment PrEP?

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) is medicine taken to prevent getting HIV. PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV when taken as prescribed. PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%.

What is PrEP and why is it prescribed?

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) can reduce your chance of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV.

Is PrEP safer than condoms?

With the low number of HIV cases among people actively taking PrEP we are now talking about greater than 99 percent effectiveness, in other words, the pill is more effective at preventing HIV than condoms.

How much is PrEP a month?

A month's supply of Truvada is nearly $2,000 without insurance (a generic version costs $30-$60 per month). Most private health insurance companies, Medicare, and Medicaid will cover the cost. By law, private insurers cannot charge copayments -- the amount you have to pay out of pocket for the drug.

Does PrEP have side effects?

PrEP is safe, but some people experience side effects like diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain. These side effects usually go away over time. Tell your health care provider about any side effects that are severe or do not go away. Learn more about side effects from Truvada®, Descovy®, and Apretude.

Does PrEP prevent STD?

PrEP doesn't prevent other STDs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), STD rates have risen each year. From 2015 to 2019, syphilis rates increased by 74 percent, and gonorrhea and chlamydia climbed by 56 percent and 19 percent, respectively.

How long do you take PrEP?

On-demand PrEP involves taking 2 pills, 2-24 hours before a possible sexual exposure to HIV and then continuing to take 1 pill each day until 2 days after their last possible sexual exposure.

Does PrEP cause weight gain?

When used by people who are HIV-negative for PrEP, Descovy may cause a small amount of weight gain—or at least may not prevent normal weight gain as happens with Truvada. This is the case for cisgender men and possibly trans women (Descovy has not been studied for PrEP in transmasculine people or cisgender women).

Who should not take PrEP?

That means PrEP is not the right medication to take if you've been exposed to HIV and want to reduce your chance of infection. If you've been exposed to HIV and aren't already on PrEP, see a doctor — whether your primary care physician or at an emergency room or urgent care facility — within 72 hours.

Can you test positive while on PrEP?

The presence of antiretrovirals may suppress the immune response and the production of antibodies. Rapid tests and self-tests should not be used to confirm HIV infection in people taking HIV treatment. In the case of repeatedly indeterminate test results in a PrEP or PEP user, seek expert guidance.

Can you take PEP with HIV?

PrEP is also recommended for people who inject drugs and have an injection partner with HIV, or who share needles, syringes, or other injection equipment. It may be right for you if you’ve been prescribed PEP ( post-exposure prophylaxis) and you report continued risk behavior or have used multiple courses of PEP.

Is it safe to take PrEP?

PrEP is safe. No significant health effects have been seen in people who are HIV-negative and have taken PrEP for up to 5 years. Some people taking PrEP may have side effects, like nausea, but these side effects are usually not serious and go away over time. If you are taking PrEP, tell your health care provider if you have any side effect ...

Do you need to get a HIV test before taking a prep?

Because PrEP is for people who are HIV-negative, you’ll have to get an HIV test before starting PrEP and you may need to get other tests to make sure it’s safe for you to use PrEP. If you take PrEP, you’ll need to see your healthcare provider every 3 months for repeat HIV tests, ...

Does PrEP stop HIV?

PrEP can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body. Currently, there are only two FDA-approved daily oral medications for PrEP. PrEP is prescribed to HIV-negative adults and adolescents who are at high risk for getting HIV through sex or injection drug use.

Why Should Someone Take PrEP Medications?

PrEP is highly efficient at preventing HIV from entering the body when taken as directed. Studies have shown that PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV by 99% (from sexual encounters) after seven days of use. Individuals who inject drugs are protected by at least 74% when taken as prescribed.

Who is a Candidate for PrEP?

Anyone that has engaged in vaginal or anal intercourse in the past six months is a candidate for this medication. Medical professionals will consider all potential risk factors before prescribing PrEP, including a sexual partner with HIV (particularly if the individual has a detectable or unknown viral load). Other risk factors include:

How does HIV Infect the Body?

Unfortunately, the human body has no natural method to fight and remove HIV once infected. HIV targets the immune system directly, attacking leukocytes in the process. Leukocytes are white blood cells in the body, tasked with protecting against infection and disease. HIV targets a specific type of white blood cell called CD4 cells.

How Does PrEP Prevent Infection?

PrEP works by setting a barrier around CD4 cells within the body. The walls prevent HIV from crossing into healthy cells and replicating. Should HIV enter the body, the barrier prevents access to the cell and reduces the probability of spreading.

What is a PrEP?

It is the use of antiretroviral medication to prevent acquisition of HIV infection. PrEP is used by people without HIV who are at risk of being exposed to HIV through sexual contact or injection drug use. Two medications have been approved for use as PrEP by the FDA.

When is a negative antibody test required for PrEP?

While antigen/antibody tests are preferred, at a minimum, clinicians should document a negative antibody test result within the week before initiating (or re-initiating) PrEP medications .

How much does PrEP with F/TDF weigh?

These medications are approved to prevent HIV infection in adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg (77 lb) as follows: Daily oral PrEP with F/TDF is recommended to prevent HIV infection among all persons at risk through sex or injection drug use.

What to do after a lab test confirms HIV?

Once additional laboratory tests have confirmed infection, the following steps should be taken: Initiate treatment or refer for comprehensive HIV care. Counsel the patient about how to prevent HIV transmission to others and to improve their own health. Report the new HIV infection to the local health department.

Can a prescriber prescribe PrEP?

Any licensed prescriber can prescribe PrEP. Specialization in infectious diseases or HIV medicine is not required. In fact, primary care providers who routinely see people at risk for HIV acquisition should consider offering PrEP to all eligible patients. [4]

What is the purpose of prEP?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as an HIV prevention strategy. Taking PrEP medication as prescribed reduces the risk of getting HIV via sexual contact by about 99% and reduces the risk of getting HIV by at least 74% among persons who inject drugs (PWID). Two medications, Truvada ®.

When should you use PrEP?

Had a bacterial STD within the last 6 months. PrEP should be used when the HIV status of the partner or partners is either unknown or positive (especially if the positive partner is not on HIV treatment or has a detectable viral load).

What is included in a PrEP?

It occurs before prescribing PrEP and includes a brief history, including signs or symptoms of acute HIV or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), history of kidney disease, a medication review and an assessment of indications for PrEP.

Is there a CDC classroom for PrEP?

There is no CDC-supported classroom training currently available for PrEP. However, this HIV prevention strategy has multiple related eLearning components addressing a variety of subjects including but not limited to:

How much does a PrEP weigh?

PrEP is approved for use by adolescents without HIV who weigh at least 75 pounds (35 kg) and who are at risk for getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations.

Can you get a PrEP if you test negative for HIV?

PrEP may be right for you if you test negative for HIV, and any of the following apply to you: have a sexual partner with HIV (especially if the partner has an unknown or detectable viral load), have been diagnosed with an STD in the past 6 months.

How does PrEP work?

They work by stopping the virus from multiplying in your body. Before starting PrEP, and at least every 3 months while you’re taking the medication, you will need to be tested for HIV and have a negative test result.

How effective is PrEP?

PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV when it is taken on a regular schedule as prescribed by a doctor. According to the CDC. Trusted Source. , these medications — when taken regularly — lower the chances of contracting HIV from sex by around 99 percent and around 74 percent in people who inject drugs.

What is HIV PrEP?

HIV PrEP is a highly effective medication regimen that can lower your chances of contracting HIV and transmitting the virus to your sexual partners. Talk with a healthcare professional or make an appointment with a clinic that offers counseling on HIV prevention and your health. Last medically reviewed on March 8, 2021.

What is Truvada used for?

Truvada contains the active ingredients emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. It is available in both brand-name and generic forms. Truvada comes in multiple strengths, and the dosage is prescribed for HIV treatment or PrEP.

What is a pre-exposure prophylaxis?

Safety. Bottom line. Pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP is a once daily medication to prevent the development of HIV cases. It is meant for people who don’t live with HIV but have higher chances of developing the condition. PrEP helps lower the chances of developing HIV by protecting you and your partners from contracting the virus.

Can you take PrEP if you have HIV?

It’s important not to take PrEP medications if you live with HIV. This is because the drug may become resistant to the virus if you take it while you live with HIV. You will have a blood test done before starting the medication and will retest at least every 3 months while you’re taking it.

Does PrEP help with HIV?

PrEP helps lower the chances of developing HIV by protecting you and your partners from contracting the virus. It is not for people who already live with HIV. Today, there are two specific FDA-approved antiviral medications for PrEP. If taken regularly, they are very effective in preventing HIV cases.

What is PrEP

PrEP means pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is medicine administered to prevent people from contracting the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The “pre” means it’s taken before you come into contact with the virus. “Exposure” stands for the actual contact with the virus.

How Does PrEP Help Patients?

The drug works by preventing HIV from replicating in the body. PrEP acts as a catalyst that helps the body produce antibodies, which help diseases causing germs and viruses. After contact with the virus, the tenofovir and emtricitabine block the enzyme needed by the virus to replicate.

How does it Work to Keep People Healthy?

PrEP, taken the right way, is quite effective against HIV contact. It prevents HIV infection 99% of the time. The risk of disease when using the medication increases in people who inject and share needles. Patients are more likely to ward off infection if the dosage is taken diligently.

When to Use PrEP Medication

Patients are more likely to benefit from PrEP if they don’t have HIV but are likely to come into contact with the virus in the future. Substance users who share needles and sexually active individuals are suitable candidates for the medication. The risk of HIV infection increases under several circumstances, including:

Prevention

• Pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) is when people at very high risk for HIV take HIV medicines daily to lower their chances of getting infected. PrEP can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body. It is highly effective for preventing HIV if used as prescribed, but it is much less effective when not taken consistently. Daily PrEP...

See more on hiv.gov

Risks

Key

Benefits

Preparation

Cost

Goals