What’s PrEP?

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis, and it’s a medicine that may shield you from HIV.

How properly does PrEP work?

PrEP can decrease the chance of getting HIV from intercourse by almost 99%, and from sharing injection drug tools by greater than 70%.

Can girls take PrEP?

Is PrEP just for males? Nope! Two PrEP drugs are authorized to be used by girls, individuals assigned feminine at start and anybody who could have receptive vaginal intercourse (corresponding to some transgender males or nonbinary individuals). Solely individuals who know they’re HIV-negative can safely use PrEP.

PrEP choices for girls and individuals who have receptive vaginal intercourse

• Truvada (or a generic equal), a capsule that’s taken by mouth each day

• Apretude, a shot that’s taken each 2 months

How do I take advantage of PrEP?

Discuss to your healthcare supplier (HCP), who can prescribe PrEP after supplying you with a take a look at to ensure you don’t have HIV.

Collectively, you and your HCP can determine which type of PrEP is best for you, primarily based in your way of life and well being wants.

• Oral PrEP
• Take a capsule each day as directed and go to your HCP each few months for follow-up care, refills and assessments.

• Injectable PrEP pictures
• See your HCP each two months on your shot, in addition to follow-up care and assessments.

What are the unintended effects of PrEP?

Unwanted effects of oral PrEP could embody upset abdomen, diarrhea, complications and tiredness. For injectable PrEP, ache on the injection website can be frequent. These unintended effects normally go away over time.

Can I take advantage of PrEP whereas pregnant?

Oral PrEP is secure for girls to make use of whereas pregnant or breastfeeding. The security of injectable PrEP in people who find themselves pregnant or breastfeeding has not been studied but.

Why ought to girls think about PrEP?

PrEP is a secure and efficient prevention device for people who find themselves at excessive danger for HIV.

PrEP can be utilized with hormonal contraception or hormone remedy (together with each feminizing and masculinizing therapies), since there are not any identified interactions between these drugs. This implies that you would be able to proceed safely taking hormones whereas taking PrEP.

This instructional useful resource was created with assist from Gilead.