PrEP for HIV Prevention

PrEP Medications:

• Truvada® (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine): Approved for all individuals at risk for HIV through sex or injection drug use.
• Descovy® (tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine): Approved for HIV prevention in cisgender men and transgender women but not for individuals at risk from receptive vaginal sex.
• Apretude® (cabotegravir): A long-acting injectable PrEP option given every two months, offering an alternative to daily pills.

PrEP is safe, well-tolerated, and recommended by healthcare professionals worldwide. Regular follow-ups, including HIV testing and monitoring, are necessary while using PrEP.

If you’re interested in starting PrEP or learning more about your options, contact us today for a confidential consultation.

PrEP Side Effects

PrEP is generally safe and well-tolerated, but like any medication, it may cause side effects. Most are mild and go away over time.

• Nausea
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea

Less Common but Serious Side Effects:

• Kidney issues – Rare but possible, especially with Truvada®; regular kidney function tests are recommended.
• Kidney issues – Rare but possible, especially with Truvada®; regular kidney function tests are recommended.
• Bone density loss – Slight decrease in bone mineral density, which usually reverses after stopping the medication.
• Injection site reactions – With Apretude® (cabotegravir), some people experience pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.

Regular check-ups and lab monitoring help ensure PrEP remains safe and effective for each individual. If you experience persistent or severe side effects, consult your healthcare provider.

Testing Schedule While on PrEP

Regular testing is essential to ensure PrEP remains safe and effective. The recommended testing schedule includes:

• HIV Testing: Every 3 months to confirm you remain HIV-negative before refilling your prescription.
• Kidney Function Tests: Every 6 months (more frequently if you have existing kidney concerns).
• STI Screening: Every 3–6 months, depending on your risk level, to check for sexually transmitted infections.
• Hepatitis B & C Screening: Before starting PrEP and periodically if at risk.

Staying on top of these tests helps ensure PrEP is working effectively while monitoring for any potential side effects. Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for testing and check-ups.

How to Get Started on PrEP

Starting PrEP involves a few simple steps to ensure you’re a good candidate for the medication and that it’s safe for you. Here’s how to get started:

1. Consult with a Healthcare Provider:Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your risk factors for HIV. They will assess whether PrEP is right for you based on your sexual health, lifestyle, and any other health concerns.
2. Get Tested for HIV:Before starting PrEP, you must have a negative HIV test to confirm you are not already infected. This will be done as part of your initial consultation.
3. Screen for Other Health Conditions:Your provider will check your kidney function, screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and evaluate your overall health to ensure PrEP is safe for you. You’ll also be screened for Hepatitis B.
4. Choose the Right PrEP Medication:Depending on your needs and lifestyle, your healthcare provider will recommend the best PrEP option (e.g., daily pills like Truvada® or Descovy®, or an injectable option like Apretude®).
5. Start Taking PrEP:Once you’ve been cleared by your provider, you can begin taking your prescribed PrEP medication. If you’re on a daily pill, consistency is key for it to be effective.
6. Follow-Up Appointments:After starting PrEP, you’ll need to visit your healthcare provider every 3 months for follow-up HIV testing, kidney function monitoring, and STI screening to ensure everything is going well.

By following these steps, you can safely start and continue PrEP to reduce your risk of HIV. If you have any questions or concerns along the way, your healthcare provider will be there to guide you.