What is PrEP?

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, commonly known as PrEP, is a preventive medication regimen for HIV-negative individuals who are at high risk of contracting HIV.

 

Who Can Benefit from PrEP?

PrEP is appropriate for people who have high-risk behaviors associated with HIV acquisition in the past 6 months, with the potential for these behaviors to continue. These high-risk behaviors include:

• Sexual intercourse without protection with a partner who is HIV-positive and is not undergoing antiretroviral therapy or whose viral load remains uncontrolled
• Unprotected anal intercourse with a partner who is uninformed about their HIV infection status
• Receiving a diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease, such as gonorrhea or syphilis
• Substance use, especially drugs known to heighten the risk of HIV transmission, such as amphetamines
• Sharing needles or injection equipment with individuals who are HIV-positive or whose HIV status is unknown

 

What does the PrEP pill contain?

The PrEP pill contains a combination of antiretroviral medications. The preferred regimen for PrEP is the combination of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and emtricitabine (FTC)  or tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)  and  emtricitabine (FTC) 

 

Are there different types of PrEP?

The preferred method for PrEP administration is Daily PrEP, which involves taking one PrEP pill daily at a consistent time during period associated with a heightened risk of HIV infection.

There is also another method for PrEP administration, known as On-demand PrEP: taking two PrEP pills 2-24 hours before sexual intercourse, followed by daily intake of one PrEP pill until 2 days after the last sexual intercourse. However, this method has only study data available for men who have sex with men.

It is important to note that PrEP is an effective option for preventing HIV infection, but it doesn't protect against other sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, it is advisable to use additional preventive measures together, such as condom use, to minimize the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections.

 

How to start PrEP?

Before starting PrEP, it is essential to undergo testing for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, pregnancy, kidney function, and other sexually transmitted diseases. During PrEP use, it is advisable to undergo HIV testing and maintain scheduled follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider.
 
For more information please contact: Pride clinic Bumrungrad International Hospital 08.00-20.00 and  Drug Information Service Bumrungrad International Hospital available 24 hours everyday.