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Tips for PrEP users

Posted by neohealthhk on

ALWAYS do remember your PrEP

  • ONE tablet each day, which is very crucial for its efficiency. If you do not take PrEP every day, there may not be enough medicine in your bloodstream to block the virus.
  • Get it into a routine, take one tablet together with one of your habits.
  • Put it in somewhere visible, it reminds you to take the dose.
  • Keeps extra pills with you, in case you forgot to take one tablet from home or when you are away.
  • If you miss the scheduled dose, just take it within that day.
  • Overdose could be harmful.

HOW to take PrEP

Daily PrEP

  • ONE tablet each day.
  • You can take it either with or without food.
  • PrEP reaches maximum level of protection against HIV from receptive anal sex at about 7 days of daily use.
  • For receptive vaginal sex and injection drug use, PrEP reaches maximum protection on the 20 days of daily use.
  • Please follow your healthcare provider’s advice.

Event Driven PrEP (2+1+1)

  • Take TWO tablets 2-24 hours before sex
  • ONE tablet 24 hours after taking the first two tablets
  • ONE tablet 24 hours after taking the third tablet

Routine check up for PrEP

  • Get routine checkup to ensure you are HIV negative and in good health for taking PrEP.
  • HIV status
  • Hepatitis B
  • Liver and renal function
  • STD
  • other tests your healthcare provider advise

Combining PrEP with safer sex practice

  • PrEP works better together with safer sex practices.
  • PrEP dose not help preventing infection from other STD, such as syphilis, chlamydia, etc.
  • You could have fewer sex partners and reduce sexual behavior of high risk to further reduce the likelihood of getting HIV.

Possible side effects of PrEP

  • PrEP could bring about side effects
  • The common side effects are: headache, abdominal pain and weight loss
  • There are other serious side effects, such as onset of kidney problems, bone problem, liver problem, worsening Hepatitis B infection and increase in lactic acid in blood.
  • If you feel uncomfortable, consult healthcare providers as soon as possible

Stopping and restarting PrEP

  • It is your choice to stop PrEP
  • DO NOT stop PrEP without any consultation. If you have Hepatitis B, stop PrEP could make Hepatitis B infection even more worse.
  • If you want to restart PrEP, you still need to consult your healthcare provider to see if you are fit for it.