PrEP therapy is a new and exciting treatment option for those at risk for HIV infection. While there is still much to learn about PrEP, it has the potential to reduce the number of new HIV infections each year dramatically. Remember, PrEP East Village is not a vaccine and does not provide 100% protection against HIV infection.
PrEP therapy involves taking a daily pill that contains two medications, emtricitabine, and tenofovir. These medications work together to block the virus from replicating in the body and prevent it from causing infection. However, it is estimated that PrEP can reduce the risk of HIV infection by up to 92%.
It is important to remember that PrEP is not a cure for HIV infection and it will not protect you from other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To be effective, PrEP must be taken every day, even if you do not think you are at risk for HIV infection. If you are sexually active, you should still use condoms to reduce your risk of STI transmission.
Here is what you need to know about PrEP therapy:
How does PrEP work?
PrEP works by blocking the virus from replicating in the body and preventing it from causing infection. The medication used in PrEP, emtricitabine/tenofovir, is a combination of two drugs also used to treat HIV-positive people.
You will need to take a daily pill for 28 days when you start the therapy. After that, you will need to take a pill every day to maintain the level of protection. It is important to remember that PrEP does not work immediately; it takes about seven days for the medication to reach full effectiveness.
There are various concepts of the therapy, including:
Reducing the risk of HIV infection
Do you think that you are at risk for HIV infection? If so, then PrEP therapy can help to reduce your risk. This therapy is recommended for people at high risk for HIV infection, such as those with multiple sexual partners or engaging in unprotected sex.
It is a once-daily pill
PrEP therapy only requires that you take a pill once a day. This makes it easy to stick to the regimen and maintain the level of protection. You must remember to take the pill every day to remain protected.
It is safe and well-tolerated
PrEP therapy is safe and well-tolerated. The most common side effects are mild and include nausea, headache, and fatigue. These side effects usually go away after a few weeks. Do not ignore the side effects, however, as they may indicate that the therapy is unsuitable for you. PrEP is still considered a safe and effective treatment despite its side effects.
You will need to have regular HIV tests
If you are on PrEP therapy, you must have regular HIV tests. This is because the therapy can cause false-negative results. This means that you could have HIV and not know it. To avoid this, you must get an HIV test every three months.
If you are interested in PrEP therapy, talk to Matt Pabis, MD, to know if the therapy is right for you and get started on the regimen.
