HIV Prevention
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PREP)
 

WHY ARE HIV PREVENTION MEDICATIONS (PREP) USED?

People usually seek to take Medication(s) To Prevent HIV Infection (PREP) when they feel they are at high risk to become infected. Probably, the greatest number of people taking PREP are gay men. However, there are other risk groups who sometimes take PREP as well. There are both heterosexual and gay couples who have different HIV status (one being HIV Positive and the other HIV Negative) who seek to take medications to prevent the spread of HIV. PREP is also taken by many sex workers and Intravenous (IV) drug users.

HOW IS HIV PREVENTION DIAGNOSED?

The prevention of "HIV diagnosis" can be made by taking a careful history. HIV Prevention is usually ordered if a person is having sex with people who they do not known their HIV status —or they know their HIV status in positive. In addition, a blood test to determine if a person has already been infected with HIV is usually required before starting HIV Prevention. This is because HIV prevention is only two anti-HIV medications, whereas the treatment of an HIV infection is usually 3-4 medications.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR HIV PREVENTION (PREP)?

* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.

1. As mentioned earlier, in most cases it is ideal that each person get a blood test for HIV (to make certain there is not already an HIV infection). In addition, a complete blood count to make certain a person is not already sick with some other disease should be done. Also, a chemistry blood test that measures a person’s kidney function should be done because HIV Prevention Medications may decrease a person’s kidney function.

There are 2 options for Antiviral treatments:

1. Truvada * (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg)

2. Descovy * (tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg)

3. Apretude * (cabotegravir) 600 mg IM first day, 4 weeks later 2nd dose, then every 8 weeks

CAUTION:

1. Both Truvada and Descovy may be detrimental to the kidneys: Truvada more so than Descovy. For this reason anyone who has kidney disease may not be a candidate for these medications—and those people who are taking these medication need to have their blood tested every three months to see if their is any indication that their kidney function is decreasing.

2. All medication, including medications those that are anti-HIV medications, have a risk of side effects.

3. Mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light skin rash.

4. Possible Severe side effects are a severe skin rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), and Clostridioides difficile infection (C. Diff.) of the colon.

5. Medications such as creams, lotions, and gels should be tested in small dosages in areas of the body that are not easily seen.

Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.