Let’s talk about PrEP.
It’s not easy to talk about HIV, but it’s an important conversation to have so we can keep our patients safe. Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a way for people who do not have HIV but who are at substantial risk of getting it to prevent HIV infection by taking a pill every day. The pill, known as Truvada, contains two medicines (tenofovir and emtricitabine) that are used in combination to prevent HIV. Here are some frequent questions we hear from our patients at our HIV clinic in Sydney, with complete answers:
Are PrEP and PEP the same thing?
No, PrEP is not the same thing as PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). PEP is a short-term treatment for people who’ve already been exposed to HIV within the past 72 hours. PrEP is an ongoing daily pill for people who are trying to avoid HIV infection in the future.
How long does PrEP for HIV take to become effective?
Scientists don’t fully understand how long it takes PrEP to become fully effective after you start taking it. Studies suggest that if PrEP is taken every day, it reaches its maximum protection in blood at 20 days, in the rectum at about 7 days, and in the vagina at about 20 days.
Who should take PrEP?
People at a significantly higher risk of contracting HIV, who are not already HIV positive, should consider taking PrEP as part of their HIV prevention regime. This may include:
- people who do not use condoms often
- people who have multiple partners
- intravenous drug users
- sex workers
- healthcare workers who come into contact with other people’s blood often
and others who believe they are at an increased risk of contracting HIV. At an Oxford appointment, your doctor or nurse will talk with you about your situation to figure out if PrEP is right for you. It’s important to be honest so you can get the best health care for you. Our staff is here to help you stay safe, not to judge your lifestyle choices. The more accurate information that you provide, the higher the quality of care we can give.
If you’re at high risk for HIV and you’re pregnant, want to become pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding, PrEP may also help you and your baby avoid getting HIV.
How often is PrEP taken?
It’s really important to take PrEP every day. PrEP doesn’t work as well if you skip pills. If you don’t take it every day, there might not be enough medicine in your body to block HIV.
Is PrEP effective?
When used daily, PrEP can lower your chances of getting HIV from sex by more than 90%. Using condoms and PrEP together helps you stay even safer! PrEP also lowers your chances of getting HIV from sharing needles by more than 70%.
What are the possible side effects of PrEP?
Short-term side effects may include nausea, abdominal cramping, dizziness or headaches, but these usually subside within the first week of treatment. For those who plan on taking PrEP for more than two years, other side effects will be discussed with your doctor.
How much does PrEP cost?
In Australia the price of PrEP will vary depending on your insurance. For most people with a Medicare card, a three-month supply of PrEP will cost about $39.50/ month.
Book an appointment at Oxford Village Medical Centre today!
