Question 1

How effective is PrEP?

Accepted Answer

Studies show that when taken every day, Truvada® can be between 96%-99% effective at preventing the HIV virus from taking hold within your body. However, it is critical that the pill is taken regularly every day. Skipping days will significantly decrease the effectiveness of Truvada®. According to the iPrex study:
For people who take 7 PrEP pills per week, their estimated level of protection is 99%.
For people who take 4 PrEP pills per week, their estimated level of protection is 96%.
For people who take PrEP less regularly, it is less effective.

Question 2

Who should consider taking PrEP?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who is at risk for HIV. The people most at-risk include:

Men who have sex with men, especially young, Black, and/or Latino men
Trans people, especially trans women of color
People in relationships with someone who is HIV-positive
People who inject drugs or anyone who is having sex with someone who injects drugs
Heterosexual Black and Latina women

Click here to read the CDC guidelines or answer the questions below. If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, PrEP may be right for you:

Do you ever have sex without a condom?
Do you have more than one sex partner?
Do you have a sex partner who is HIV-positive?
Have any of your partners recently been treated for an STD (sexually transmitted disease)?
Have you used PEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) more than once in the last year?
Have you exchanged sex for money, drugs or alcohol, housing, or other needs?
Do you or any of your recent partners use injection drugs?
Have any of your recent partners been in prison?
Have any of your recent partners forced you to have sex?

Question 3

Are there age restrictions for PrEP?

Accepted Answer

There is no specific age restriction for PrEP. However, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has approved the use of PrEP for adults and adolescents at risk for HIV who weigh at least 35 kilograms (77 pounds).

Question 4

Is PrEP safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, PrEP is well-tolerated by most people. Some people report nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and dizziness in the first few weeks of taking PrEP. These symptoms usually resolve themselves over time. Other possible side effects include changes in kidney function and bone density, so it is important to get check-ups with your physician every 2-3 months while taking PrEP. Drug Interactions Truvada® is not known to interact with alcohol or other recreational drugs. Continuing to take PrEP while drinking or using drugs and having sex will help provide protection from HIV during these periods. PrEP does not interact with other drugs like hormones or birth control.

Question 5

What does "taking PrEP" mean? What is the treatment regimen?

Accepted Answer

A PrEP regimen includes a once-daily pill and check-ins with your provider every three months. These check-ins include labs, STI testing, and risk/adherence counseling.

Question 6

How soon will PrEP become protective after I start taking it?

Accepted Answer

Preliminary studies suggest that when starting PrEP, it may take at least seven days for PrEP to reach substantial protection levels. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Question 7

If I am on PrEP, can I stop using condoms?

Accepted Answer

Taking PrEP does not mean that you do not need to wear condoms. When taken every day, PrEP significantly reduces risk for HIV; studies show it is 96-99% effective. However, PrEP does not prevent pregnancy and is not effective against the transmission of other STIs. For this reason, the use of condoms is still strongly encouraged during all sexual activity. PrEP is not meant to replace condoms.

Question 8

Can PrEP cure or treat HIV?

Accepted Answer

No. The medications in PrEP are not enough to cure or treat HIV. PrEP only prevents HIV from taking hold in the body. If someone has HIV, they need to be on a full treatment regimen and remain in care.

Question 9

How do I talk to my doctor about PrEP?

Accepted Answer

If you are thinking about talking to your doctor about PrEP, here are a few tips.

BEFORE YOUR VISIT

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider.
Do research. Make a list of reasons of why you think PrEP would be a good choice for you.
Think about your routine, especially things that make it easy or difficult to take a daily medication.
Make a health history list for your doctor. The list should include any past illnesses or concerns you have, as well as a list of all current medications (including supplements, herbs, etc.)

DURING YOUR VISIT

Be clear. Take out your notes and tell your doctor that you are interested in PrEP right away.
Do not be shy. Give your doctor all the details about your life that could be important to your health. Don’t worry about being judged. If your sex life is a hard thing for you to talk about, say that to your doctor. It will help start the conversation.
Ask questions. You want to be sure that you understand what your doctor is telling you.
Take notes during your visit so that you can remember what your doctor said.

AFTER YOUR VISIT

Review your notes or any information provided by your doctor.
Consider your options. Your doctor gave you a lot of information. Now it is up to you to make the right decision for yourself.
Call your doctor if you have any additional questions. Ask to speak to a nurse if your doctor is unavailable.
Schedule tests or follow-up appointments that your doctor requested.
Get your results if you had tests done at your appointment.
If you feel comfortable, you may want to discuss your choice with your partners, family, or friends.

Question 10

How can I pay for PrEP?

Accepted Answer

Whether or not you have medical insurance, there are several programs available that can help you pay for PrEP and associated costs like office visits and lab work. This includes the Ohio Department of Health's new PAPI program which is available to residents of Ohio. Learn more about PAPI.

Question 11

If I miss doses, will my body become immune to PrEP?

Accepted Answer

Missing doses will not cause immunity but taking Truvada® while HIV-positive will. Truvada® is not sufficient to treat HIV alone, so it is important to be tested for HIV before starting PrEP. If you do contract HIV at any time while taking Truvada®, the HIV strain could develop immunity, which could eliminate Truvada® as an effective treatment option. However, PrEP still offers some protection even if you miss a dose. You do not have to worry or double-up on the medication. Just relax and take it the next day. Keep in mind, the more you take it, the better it will work. Taking it 5-7 days a week is important for maximum protection.

Question 12

What if I want to stop taking PrEP?

Accepted Answer

If your risk level changes, or if you decide PrEP is no longer right for you, you can absolutely stop taking it. Any decision about starting or stopping treatment should be made with your doctor. 1. Get tested for HIV and STIs and choose a different HIV prevention strategy like using condoms and/or only having sex with one partner who you trust to remain monogamous. 2. Confirm with your doctor or nurse practitioner that you are negative for Hepatitis B. The medication used for PrEP is also used in Hepatitis B treatment and discontinuing treatment when you need it may cause harm. 3. Continue taking PrEP for at least two days after a potential exposure to HIV.

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