PrEP / PEP Therapy | FAQ | Truvada | HIV Risk & Prevention | Highland Pharmacy | MI 48328

What is PrEP?

Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a type of HIV prevention treatment where an HIV-negative person can use medication to reduce the chances of becoming infected if they were exposed to the virus. The most common brand of medication used for PrEP is called Truvada. When you “hear” about “PrEP pills”, it is Truvada that they are talking about.

If you or a loved one is interested in starting PrEP therapy for HIV prevention please call us today at 866-850-6567

How effective is PrEP?

When used appropriately PrEP reduced the number of new HIV infections through sex by over 90%. Among injectable drug users it has been shown to reduce the risk by more then 70%

Is PrEP right for you?

If you are a gay/bisexual man and have an HIV-positive partner, have multiple partners, a partner with multiple partners, or a partner whose HIV status is unknown and you also have anal sex without a condom, or recently had a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

If you are heterosexual and have an HIV-positive partner, have multiple partners, a partner with multiple partners, or a partner whose HIV status is unknown—and you also don’t always use a condom for sex with people who inject drugs, or don’t always use a condom for sex with bisexual men.

If you inject drugs and share needles or equipment to inject drugs or recently went to a drug treatment program. and are at risk of getting HIV from sex.

Do I need a Prescription?

Yes, you need a prescription by an appropriate health practitioner to take PrEP. After your first prescription, you’ll be asked to come back to your doctor at least once in three months to do repeat HIV testing and other health checkups including STI screening and kidney function tests. If you are looking for a family physician, please give us a call as we may be able to assist you.

Do I need to take PrEP for the rest of my life once I start?

No, you do not! PrEP is not intended to be a lifetime strategy. You should take PrEP only when you need protection the most. If you are single and sexually active, taking PrEP daily, regardless of whether or not you think you will have sex that day is important. This is because it takes four to seven days of therapy for you to reach maximum protection from HIV. Additionally its also very important that you continue taking PrEP for at least 28 days after a potential exposure. In the event that you do enter into a monogamous relationship with another HIV-negative partner, your daily dose of PrEP may not be necessary at this point. Before discontinuing however it is important to discuss with your health care provider (physician).

When do I start taking PrEP?

PrEP should be taken at least four to seven days prior to exposure for you to reach maximum protection from HIV. Additionally, you must continue taking PrEP at least 28 days after a possible exposure.

Does PrEP work to combat other STD’s and What about the side effects of PrEP?

It is important to note that PrEP won’t protect you from other sexual transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea and syphilis. Additionally, for the first few weeks of starting PrEP, common side effects can include but are not limited to the following;

  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • fatigue, and dizziness

What is PEP?

PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. It means taking antiretroviral medicines after a potential exposure to HIV to prevent infection.

Is PEP Right For Me?

If you are currently HIV-negative or don’t know your HIV status, and in the last 72 hours you think you may have been exposed to HIV during sex shared needles and works to prepare drugs (for example, cotton, cookers, water), or were sexually assaulted, Speak to your health care provider or an emergency room doctor about PEP immediately.

PEP is effective, but not 100%, so you should continue to use condoms with sex partners and safe injection practices while taking PEP.

When Should I Take PEP?

PEP must be started within 72 hours after a possible exposure. The sooner you start PEP, the better; every hour counts. Research has shown that PEP has little or no effect in preventing HIV infection if it is started later than 72 hours after HIV exposure.

If you have a valid prescription to fill for PrEP/PeP HIV prevention treatment please call us today at 866-850-6567