For anyone sexually active and wanting to reduce the risk of exposure to HIV, PrEP may be a viable option. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication taken by HIV-negative individuals that prevent HIV infection. The medicine has two drugs in one pill taken daily by the user.
PrEP in the bloodstream can prevent HIV from taking hold and spreading within the host, increasing the likelihood that you remain HIV negative, regardless of your partner’s status.
Effectiveness of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
A few situations qualify an individual for PrEP medications, whether that’s vaginal/frontal sex, anal sex, or injectable drug use. PrEP effectiveness varies depending on the intended use, with an average efficiency of 99% for sexual interactions and 84% for drug injection.
When taken daily as prescribed, the medication reduces the risk of getting HIV by approximately 99%. When combined with other protection methods, including barrier methods of contraception, PrEP is even more effective.
The efficiency levels are considerably lower when pills are missed or forgotten. There are always rare cases where people use PrEP perfectly and still get HIV.
How Quickly Does It Work?
The speed this medication builds in the bloodstream depends primarily on the intended use. For someone taking PrEP to prevent HIV through anal intercourse, it takes approximately seven days. For those using PrEP for blood-based transmission or vaginal and front hole intercourse, protection occurs after twenty days of use.
PrEP for Drug Injection
The current Canadian PrEP guidelines recommend PrEP for those injecting drugs if at high risk for HIV. Individuals sharing injection drug equipment (like cookers, filters, needles, and water) are at higher risk of HIV transmission. Patients taking PrEP on a consistent daily basis can reduce HIV risk by 84%.
The best way to reduce risk during drug injection is using new equipment every time. Avoid sharing or re-using injection equipment.
PrEP for Topping
Statistically speaking, insertive partners have a lower chance of getting HIV. That doesn’t mean there isn’t some risk to partners, but the risk is lower than receptive anal sex. Always talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of this medication.
PrEP for Bottoming
Your healthcare provider can offer a few strategies for individuals struggling to take their prescription. Currently, PrEP is one of the most effective options for receptive anal sex. When taken daily as prescribed for seven days, PrEP is a highly effective method in preventing HIV. While studies have shown missing a few doses isn’t catastrophic, it’s always best to stick with your daily schedule. It’s always best to follow the daily dosage to ensure maximum protection levels. Every missed dose reduces the overall efficacy of PrEP.
How is PrEP taken?
Currently, two methods of taking PrEP are available. This medication is prescribed as a daily dose for those wanting ongoing protection. Users take PrEP orally, once daily. The daily dose ensures drug levels are high enough in the body to reduce the chance of HIV infection. It’s critical to take the pill exactly as prescribed.
Alternatively, individuals may take PrEP as an on-demand option. This option is currently only approved for people having anal sex. Due to the time it takes PrEP to act in body tissues; On-demand options are not a reliable option for vaginal or frontal sex. When taken correctly, on-demand medications have an overall efficiency of 86% in preventing HIV. It’s critical to stick with prescribed dosing guidelines, as PrEP loses efficiency when taken less often.
The current on-demand routine requires separate dosing schedules. This method includes two pills 2-24 hours before sexual contact and one daily for two days after exposure. Before switching your PrEP usage, talking to your prescribing doctor is essential. Any changes to your medication, including dosage and frequency, will influence efficiency levels.
What Influences PrEP Efficiency?
The most significant contributing factor to PrEP efficiency is not taking the medication as prescribed. There isn’t enough medicine within the body to effectively prevent HIV from spreading. When taken four times a week, it’s 99% effective. When taken twice a week, the protection drops to 75%.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Pill?
If you miss a pill within 12 hours of the regular dose, take it as soon as you remember. Return to your usual dosing schedule immediately. If it’s been more than 12 hours, wait until your next scheduled pill. Patients missing more than one dose should contact their health care provider and use backup protection.
