PrEP

Anti-HIV medication to avoid infection:

PrEP is a regular intake of anti-HIV medication to reduce the possibility of getting infected by the virus during sex. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), was first thought of as an option when it was shown that people with HIV who receive medication stop being infectious for others. Its efficacy has been proved in many studies and it is a safe choice if monitored.

Interesting data from clinical trials:

• Reduction of HIV risk in unprotected sex of around 90%.
• High decrease of HIV risk in unprotected anal sex.
• Better protection seen in those who took the tablets every day and do not skip doses.
• Well tolerated, but kidney function needs monitoring due to side effects of the tablets.
• More gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis are seen in people who practice unprotected sex using PrEP, so regular testing is recommended.

Check that it’s safe:
PrEP can affect the kidneys. This was not seen very often in clinical trials but should be monitored. If you take this drug long term it can reduce your bone density too.

• Kidney function tests:  every 6 months to check your kidneys are OK. This is a blood test.
• If you take PrEP for 5 years or more we recommend a bone density scan.

Look out for other infections:

Someone taking PrEP is probably going to have more unprotected sex than others. Therefore, it is important to check them for infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis, which are infections we often have without symptoms. We should also look out for hepatitis C.

• Blood tests: syphilis and hepatitis C,  six-month or annual testing.
• Gonorrhoea and chlamydia tests: these are the most common infections. The tests are performed according to the frequency of unprotected sex and the type of practice.