Put some PrEP in your step: a guide

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) are antiviral medications used to prevent the spread of disease for people who have not been exposed. It is known for its use against the transmission of human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV). HIV is spread via bodily fluids like blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal fluids, but not through saliva. PrEP is a beneficial asset for those who are having unprotected sex, sex with multiple partners, or intravenously taking substances. A respected physician in sexual health told Top Doctors all about this incredible medication.

What is PrEP medication?

PrEP, which is made of two ingredients called emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, is highly effective at preventing HIV transmission when taken as directed and consistently, reducing the chances of getting HIV via sexual intercourse by 99% provided that the amount of PrEP in the blood is high enough.

There are possible side effects to taking PrEP, that should go away after the first few weeks. These include:

• nausea
• diarrhoea
• bloating
• indigestion
• headaches
• fatigue
• sleeping problems

Taking PrEP around meals helps to manage the nausea. It has been around a decade since PrEP was first introduced as a way to prevent HIV transmission and so far, there have been no damaging long-term side effects reported.

Who can and cannot take PrEP?

PrEP works only for those who are currently testing negative for HIV; there are medications, called antiretroviral therapy (ART), for HIV-positive people that can suppress HIV in the blood to levels that are undetectable and becomes basically untransmittable through sexual intercourse, syringe sharing, or breastfeeding. PrEP is only prescribed for those over 16 years old, though those who are younger and at risk can sometimes take it. PrEP is not suitable for children younger than 12 years old.

Those with kidney or liver problems, or that have hepatitis, may not be able to take PrEP, so the patient needs to communicate with the doctor about allergies and other conditions they may have, and to get tested on their liver and kidney function before starting PrEP. PrEP is available in all NHS sexual health clinics, can be bought online, and can be prescribed privately.  

PrEP can be taken during pregnancy, and during breastfeeding, though little amounts will be present in breast milk and may cause mild diarrhoea in the baby.

How is PrEP taken?

PrEP comes as a pill, and can be taken in two scenarios: once daily, or when needed (on demand), depending on the patient’s lifestyle and needs. Daily usage is best for those having a lot of high-risk sex or vaginal/frontal sex. It requires seven days of continuous usage before sex to be fully protected. On-demand usage is only for anal sex, and works by taking two pills a minimum of two hours before sex, a pill 24 hours after the first dose, and another pill a day after that second dose. PrEP does not work against other sexually transmitted diseases, only for HIV.

Regular testing for HIV and other STDs should still be undertaken, even whilst on PrEP. The recommended frequency of testing is every three months.

If you would like to begin PrEP, or have further questions about HIV, you can consult a specialist on Top Doctors today.