PreP

If you’re at risk of getting HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), you can dramatically lower your odds with a treatment called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The infectious disease specialists at HealthyClinic.me in Springfield, Massachusetts, offer PrEP in tablet and injectable forms for anyone at risk who doesn’t already have HIV. Call the office today or request an appointment online to learn if you qualify for PrEP.

What is PrEP?

PrEP is medication that dramatically lowers your risk of getting infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The medication comes in pills and long-acting injectables, but not everyone qualifies for both types.

Will I qualify for PrEP?

Nearly anyone at risk for HIV from sexual contact or exposure to a contaminated needle qualifies for PrEP. However, there’s one important exception: You can’t take PrEP medications if you already have HIV. Taking PrEP after you get the virus can make you resistant to essential HIV treatment.

When should I consider PrEP?

You may want to meet with the HealthyClinic.me team to discuss PrEP if you:

• Had unprotected anal or vaginal sex with a partner who has HIV
• Have more than one partner and don’t consistently use a condom
• Share needles when injecting drugs
• Were recently diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

STIs increase your risk for HIV because they make it easier for the virus to get into your body.

What should I know about the different PrEP types?

Three medicines are approved for PrEP, two tablets and one injectable. You take the pills every day, while the injectable lasts two months.

Before getting any PrEP medication, you need to have an HIV test. You may also need to be tested for hepatitis B. Your provider schedules routine HIV testing for as long as you take the medication.

The three PrEP choices include:

Truvada® (pill)

Truvada is for people who may get HIV through sexual contact and/or sharing needles.

Descovy® (pill)

Your provider may prescribe Descovy if you’re at risk for HIV through sexual contact. However, it’s not recommended for people assigned female at birth who may get HIV through vaginal sex.

Apretude® (injectable)

Apretude is only approved for people at risk for HIV through sex. You receive your first two injections one month apart. Then you keep getting a shot every two months.

How effective is PrEP?

PrEP lowers your risk for HIV from sexual contact by 99% — if you don’t miss any doses. The medication isn’t as effective if you’re at risk through sharing contaminated needles, but even then, it lowers your chance of developing HIV by 74%.

Call HealthyClinic.me today or request an appointment online to learn if you’re a good candidate for PrEP.