PrEP or pre exposure prophylaxis is a powerful, safe and highly effective prevention measure against Hiv infection. To take PrEP you must be HIV Negative.
In the 36 years since HIV/AIDS spiralled into a worldwide pandemic taking the lives of 35 million people, medical science has been constantly working to defeat the virus. The WHO estimates that around 37 million people are living with HIV. In 2016, it was decided to start the 3 million people who were at high risk for HIV on PrEP.
This proved to be one of the biggest breakthroughs in HIV medicine. Multiple studies reported very high success rate, if PrEP was used consistently. According to CDC, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by 99 percent. PrEP is a combination of Tenofovir (TDF) which can block HIV infection with antiviral Emtricitibine (FTC) Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300mg + Emtricitibine 200mg, approved by FDA in 2012, is the most commonly used PrEP pill. Tenofovir Alafenamide 25mg + Emtricitibine 200 mg, approved by FDA in 2019, is also being used.
WHO describes preventative HIV PrEP drugs as an essential medicine. Around 380000 people have started to take PrEP in 68 countries (2018). There are 8000 PrEP users in Asia (PrEP watch- global PrEP tracker).
PrEP is a once daily medication taken as a course for days, weeks or a few years. The efficacy of PrEP is linked to adherence. PrEP is for all genders and sexual orientations. Newer and better medications for PrEP are in the pipeline like injectable, implants and oral pills. PrEP is widely acclaimed as the one of the most potent tools to end the HIV pandemic.
PrEP or pre exposure prophylaxis is a powerful, safe and highly effective prevention measure against Hiv infection. To take PrEP you must be HIV Negative.
Anyone who wants to prevent HIV infection through Sex or Injection Drug Use.
PrEP is a once daily pill taken continuously.
PrEP when taken consistently and correctly it reduces the chance of HIV infection through sex by 99% (iPrEx clinical study 2017 done in Brazil, Ecuador, South Africa, U.S) and through Injection drug use (BTS study- Bangkok Tenofovir study 2013) by 74%. The effectiveness of PrEP is closely linked to consistency of PrEP. PrEP effectiveness decreases rapidly if not taken regularly as prescribed.
PrEP is safe. No significant side effects have been seen. Some people may have nausea, vomiting, flatulence that can be managed and go away over time. Serious side effects like decreased kidney function are rare. Decrease in bone density is rare.
PrEP does not provide protection against STI'S like HBV, HCV, Syphilis and Gonorrhea. Use Condoms when on PrEP for prevention of certain STI'S and to further decrease the risk of HIV