PrEP Medication for HIV

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It’s designed to protect people who are HIV-negative from becoming infected through sex or using injectable drugs.

PrEP boosts antibody production to prevent the HIV virus from multiplying in the body. PrEP currently comes in two forms: an oral pill and a shot. When taken as prescribed, the pill is 99% effective.

According to HIV.gov, 1.2 million people in the US have HIV and only 13% of positive cases don’t know that they have the disease and need to be tested. PrEP may be especially beneficial for anyone who has:

• Regular sex without a condom
• Had a sexual partner who may have HIV
• Been diagnosed with an STD in the past 6 months
• Injected drugs and shares syringes
• Had sexual partner who may inject drugs
• Been prescribed PEP and continues risky behavior

Before starting treatment, you must take an HIV test to make sure that you are negative. Tests are also recommended every three months of treatment. 

The FDA-approved oral pills, Truvada and Descovy, are taken once a day. The first FDA-approved shot, Apretude, is a long lasting injectable medication that must be administered by a health care professional. The first two shots are given one month apart. After that, follow up injections are given every two months.

Common side effects of PrEP medications include diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, and headaches.