HIV / AIDS Prevention
The terms PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) typically refers to the use of antiviral drugs as a strategy for the prevention of HIV/AIDS.
With PrEP, the medication (Truvada or Descovy) is taken once a day, every day to help prevent HIV infection prior to exposure, while PEP (Tenofovir, Emtricitabine, Raltegravir or Dolutegravir) is taken within 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV to prevent infection. It is only for emergency situations.
Your journey towards protection begins with us โ let us help you get on PrEP / PEP and empower you with a safer, healthier tomorrow.
Importance of HIV Prevention
HIV can be serious and there’s no cure for it. 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.
One way you can get HIV is 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 do this, this includes using condoms and getting tested for HIV regularly. It can also mean taking Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
When used as directed, PrEP has been shown to be highly effective, reducing the risk of acquiring HIV by up to 99%.
By preventing HIV, you can protect yourself and your partners from getting sick in the first place.
Who Should Take PrEP?
PrEP is an effective medication for people who have a higher risk of acquiring HIV, including sexually active adults at increased risk of contracting HIV and people who engage in intravenous drug use, and serodiscordant sexually active couples.
Before starting PrEP, itโs ideal to see a doctor and get tested for HIV. This can help make sure itโs the right choice for you.
Your doctor will evaluate your overall health and discuss any potential side effects of the medication with you. Remember, 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 HIV risk.
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.
Contact us to learn more or book an appointment online.
Our Medical Team
Our doctors and staff are here to help you achieve optimal health.
Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals strives to foster a welcoming and patient-centered environment, where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard. We emphasize preventative medicine, and aim to empower individuals to take control of their health by providing education, guidance, and support.
Our goal is to be a trusted primary care provider that promotes lifelong health and wellness for you and your family.
PrEP and PEP
There are several barriers that can make it difficult for individuals to access PrEP / PEP. One major barrier is cost โ without insurance, PrEP / PEP can be expensive. However, many insurance plans now cover PrEP / PEP. There are also patient assistance programs available that can help cover the cost of the medication.
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.
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 youโre exposed to it. There are multiple types of PrEP medications available, Oral tablets (Truvada and Descovy) or monthly injectables (apretude). All medications 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%. Itโs important to take PrEP as prescribed to make sure itโs effective. PrEP is recommended for people who are at risk for HIV.ย
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