What is PrEP?
PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a prescription medicine that can be used to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection when used together with safer sex practices.
Who is right for PrEP?
PrEP must only be prescribed to individuals who are confirmed HIV-negative immediately prior to initiating and periodically (testing every three months) during use. Do not prescribe PrEP if signs or symptoms of acute HIV-1 infection are present unless negative infection status is confirmed.
PrEP is meant for individuals who fall into a high-risk category. That includes individuals who engage in sexual activity in a high prevalence area or social network and have one or more of the following: inconsistent or no condom use, diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), exchange of sex for commodities (money, food, shelter, drugs), use of illicit drugs or alcohol dependence, incarceration, and/or sexual partners of unknown HIV status with any of the above risk factors.
Why PrEP?
To significantly reduce the risk of those who are considered high risk for HIV-1. When combined with safe sex practices, clinical studies have shown that PrEP reduces the risks of contracting
HIV-1 by Over
90%
What else should be considered?
Prescribing considerations for PrEP:
- PrEP must be part of a comprehensive prevention strategy.
- Uninfected individuals must strictly adhere to their dosing schedule because the effectiveness of PrEP in reducing the risk of acquiring HIV-1 is strongly correlated with consistency.
- Uninfected individuals must strictly adhere to their dosing schedule because the effectiveness of PrEP in reducing the risk of acquiring HIV-1 is strongly correlated with consistency.