PrEP

What is pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)?

PrEP is an HIV prevention method for people who are HIV-negative. It involves taking a daily anti-HIV medication to reduce the risk of becoming infected with HIV. Several studies have shown that, when taken as directed, PrEP can reduce HIV infection by more than 96 %. The CDC currently recommends PrEP for all individuals who are at high risk for HIV infection. What is considered “high risk” for HIV infection? There are many factors that place an individual at high risk for HIV infection. These include the following:

Having a partner who is HIV-positive (sero-opposite couples);
If you are a man who has sex with other men
Having had needle-sharing partners of unknown HIV status during the past 12 months
Having had unprotected sex with multiple partners of unknown status over the last 12 months
Having been diagnosed with an STD during the past 12 months

How do I make an informed decision about my health?

First, you can assess your risk and decide if PrEP might be right for you.

Review the information above including CDC recommendations.
Make a list of reasons you think that PrEP would be a good choice for you.
Decide if making a commitment to take a pill every day is something that you are able to do.
Seek support from your support network and/or a health educator at ncsdconnection@gmail.com or (760) 631-5000 extension 7000.

What’s in the pill?

The brand name for the medication is Truvada, which contains two medications, tenofovir and emtricitibine. Truvada is commonly used to treat HIV positive individuals in combination with other anti-HIV medications. Truvada was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2012 for the prevention of HIV-infection in HIV-negative men and women.

Is it safe? According to several studies, taking Truvada daily for PrEP is safe and well tolerated. About 1 in 10 people in the PrEP studies reported that they had headaches, stomach pain, or weight loss when they first started taking Truvada. In most people, these side effects improved or went away after they had been taking Truvada for a few weeks. A small number of people had a slight decrease in kidney function that normalized when they stopped the medication. Small losses of bone density (thickness) have been seen in people taking Truvada. These changes have not been associated with an increase in fractures in these studies.

What are the steps for getting on PrEP?

The first step to getting on PrEP is meeting with a health educator. A health educator will go over

How the medication works
Whether PrEP is right for you
Side effects
Cost/insurance/Patient Assistance Programs (We can help you apply)
Answer any questions you may have
Scheduling your appointment with a physician

What can I expect at my first doctor’s appointment?

Be prepared to have an open and honest discussion with your provider about your sexual health and the reasons you believe that you should be prescribed PrEP. You will find a link below for PrEP 101 (hyperlink) that will provide you with more information about how you can talk to your doctor about PrEP. Below is a list of considerations to discuss with your provider:

Make a health history list for your provider that includes any past illnesses or concerns you have, as well as a list of your current medications (including supplements, herbs, etc.).
Do not be shy. Give your provider all the details about your life that could be important to your health. Don’t worry about being judged. If your sexual health is a hard topic to talk about, say that to your provider when starting the conversation.
Ask questions, like what is required of me in order to be prescribed PrEP? How long will it take until I can be prescribed PrEP? What is expected of me after I have been prescribed PrEP?
Your provider may not know the answers to these questions. If not, you can refer the provider to here.
Take notes during your visit so that you can remember what your provider said.

You will not leave with a prescription for PrEP on your first doctor’s visit. Your physician will run labs to make sure you are HIV negative and healthy enough for PrEP.

After your first appointment

You will come back for your lab results and if your physician decides you are ready for PrEP they will give you your 3 month prescription
You will need to schedule a follow-up appointment 3 months after you take your first pill and every three months after that so your doctor can track your health and continue prescribing PrEP to you.

To learn more about how you can start PrEP treatment, please call 760.631.5000 ext. 7000 to schedule your FREE consultation.