HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PREP)
What is HIV PrEP? Is there a difference between PrEP and PEP?
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP for short) refers to use of anti-viral medications to reduce the risk of becoming infected with HIV before an exposure has actually occurred.
On the other hand, if you have already potentially been exposed, you may wish to consider HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis ( PEP for short ) in order to lower the risk of infection.
The difference between PrEP and PEP lies in the dosing and duration of medications. In some situations where PEP is required, an addition medication may need to be added.
How is HIV PrEP taken?
Patients on PrEP may choose to take it long term (daily PrEP) if they deem themselves to be at frequent or continued risk, or on an ad-hoc basis (on-demand PrEP / event driven PrEP ) if they expect to be at risk for only a short period. Do bear in mind that PrEP works only against HIV infection and not directly against other sexually transmissible infections. It is meant to be used in conjunction with condoms. PrEP is not meant to replace condom use.
Tell me more about Daily PrEP.
Daily PrEP is straightforward. It involves taking a single oral tablet every day, regardless of whether they will be sexual contact or not. For patients who have decided to take Daily PrEP, it is recommended to start your medications at least 7 days before the start of any risky sexual activity.
Tell me more about PrEP on demand.
On demand PrEP is almost as simple too. The most well-known dosing schedule, commonly called the 2-1-1 regimen, involves taking 2 antiviral tablets 2 to 24 hours before onset of sexual activity, then 1 tablet 24 hours after that, and 1 final tablet another 24 hours after that. However, depending on whether you are the insertive or receptive partner, a different regimen may be recommended.
If you are considering using PrEP against HIV, we will be happy to tailor a management and follow up plan for you in accordance with your health status, lifestyle and budget.
Will there be side effects to the medications?
Most patients do not experience significant side effects with PrEP medications beyond the first few weeks. Common side effects in the beginning may include: –
- nausea / vomiting
- diarrhoea
- bloatedness abdominal discomfort
- headache
- dizziness / weakness
- sleep disturbance / insomnia
Serious side effects are rare. These include damage to the kidneys and / or liver, and increased loss of bone density. Our doctor will help to monitor you for these side effects. This is partly the reason for the tests that we do before starting PrEP, as well as during your follow up visits. Should you feel very unwell while taking HIV PrEP, stop the medication and return to the clinic for review.
I am interested. How do I get started on HIV PrEP?
Before starting HIV PrEP, you will need to come and consult our doctor. Apart from discussing which form of PrEP may be more appropriate for you, the doctor will also run some baseline tests. These include your baseline HIV status, Hepatitis B and C status, as well as blood counts, kidney and liver tests.
You do not necessarily have to decide on the PrEP regimen during your first visit.
Ready to consult our doctor on starting PrEP? Call / WhatsApp 9662 5512 for appointments.
