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HIV Prevention and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

Research projects 7.7 million HIV-related deaths in the next ten years. So, what can be done? Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is one way to help. It’s the most significant HIV prevention medication on the market. Plus, it’s conveniently available all across the country. From Jersey City to California, people everywhere are enjoying the benefits of Pre-exposure prophylaxis.

There are many reasons to consider this strategy for your own life and health. Fortunately, you’ve come to just the right article to learn more. Keep reading to see how PrEP can be useful as a prevention method against contracting HIV.

Importance of HIV Prevention

Common symptoms of HIV include fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Over time, untreated HIV can progress to AIDS, a disease that weakens the immune system. This can have a significant impact on an individual’s health and quality of life.

You can get HIV from having unprotected sex with someone who has it. That’s why it’s important to prevent HIV if you’re sexually active.
There are many ways to prevent HIV. Examples include using condoms and getting tested for HIV regularly. It can also mean taking Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

HIV can be serious and there’s no cure for it. Still, it can be managed with medication. By preventing HIV, though, you can protect yourself and your partners from getting sick in the first place.

How PrEP Works

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the use of medications to prevent the spread of disease in people who have not yet been exposed to a disease-causing agent, usually a virus. The term typically refers to the use of antiviral drugs as a strategy for the prevention of HIV/AIDS. PrEP works by stopping the HIV virus from spreading in your body if you’re exposed to it. There are two types of PrEP medications available, Truvada and Descovy.

Both of these medicines work by blocking an enzyme that HIV needs to replicate itself in your body. When used as directed, PrEP has been shown to be highly effective, reducing the risk of acquiring HIV by up to 99%.

It’s important to take PrEP every day to make sure it’s effective. PrEP is recommended for people who are at risk for HIV. Many people can fall into that category, though, so let’s take a closer look.

Who Should Take PrEP?

PrEP is one of a number of HIV prevention strategies for people who are HIV negative but who have a higher risk of acquiring HIV, including sexually active adults at increased risk of contracting HIV, people who engage in intravenous drug use (see drug injection), and serodiscordant sexually active couples.

Before starting PrEP, it’s ideal to get tested for HIV and receive counseling. This can help to make sure it’s the right choice for you. A physician at NJ Primary Care in Jersey City will evaluate your overall health and discuss any potential side effects of the medication with you. Remember to take PrEP every day as directed to ensure it’s effective. While PrEP can significantly reduce your risk of contracting HIV, it’s not a cure for the virus.

Dosage and Adherence

Taking PrEP consistently as prescribed is crucial to its effectiveness in reducing the risk of HIV infection. Missing doses can decrease its effectiveness.
If you feel like taking PrEP is no longer in your best interest, inform your doctor, who may adjust your dosage or recommend a different medication. It’s essential not to stop taking PrEP without consulting your doctor. This could increase your risk of contracting HIV.

If you have any concerns or questions about PrEP, speak with your healthcare provider. They can provide information and resources to help you make informed decisions about your sexual health. Overall, maintaining your PrEP is a personal choice that should only add value to your life.

Side Effects and Safety

PrEP is generally safe and well-tolerated. That being said, it can still cause side effects like nausea, headache, and stomach pain. These side effects usually go away on their own and are not serious. However, it’s possible for you to experience more serious side effects. Examples include liver problems or kidney damage, contact your doctor immediately.

To manage side effects, you can try taking PrEP with food or before bedtime. You might have to use trial and error to determine what time of day feels best for your dosage. Also, tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you’re taking. PrEP can interact with some of them in unexpected ways. Your doctor can help you determine if PrEP is safe for you to take with your other medications. Be sure to attend follow-up appointments with your doctor, too. They can help monitor your health and adjust the medication if necessary.

Access to PrEP

There are several barriers that can make it difficult for individuals to access PrEP. One major barrier is cost – without insurance, PrEP can be expensive.  However, many insurance plans now cover PrEP. There are also patient assistance programs available that can help cover the cost of the medication.

Another barrier is stigma – some people may feel ashamed or embarrassed. It can be tough to talk to their doctor about their sexual behavior or their risk of contracting HIV. Still, it’s important to remember that taking PrEP is a proactive step toward protecting your health. If you’re having trouble accessing PrEP, there are resources available to help. Some clinics and health departments offer free or low-cost PrEP services. There are also organizations that can help connect you with resources in your area, such as a Primary Care Doctor in Jersey City.

Don’t let barriers like cost or stigma prevent you from accessing PrEP. Talk to your doctor or reach out to a community organization for help. Check out patient reviews of a PrEP provider for encouragement.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Care in Jersey City

You deserve the best quality of life, no matter what lifestyle that entails. That’s why you’re ready for Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as a reliable HIV prevention measure. So, we’re here to help. Our patients have had real success with this highly effective prevention medication. Learn more about the Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) we can offer you now.

NJ Primary Care prioritizes preventative methods and solution-oriented care. Our incredible team goes above and beyond to make every patient feel valued and empowered to manage their health. Contact us to schedule an appointment or use our online booking tool so we can provide the care and advice you need.

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