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Is PrEP right for you?

Posted by neohealthhk on

Health screening &

Talk to your healthcare provider 

Stay HIV negative before and while taking PrEP 

To ensure you are HIV negative, receive a suitable HIV test right before the medication and at least every 3 months while taking PrEP.

  • Different HIV tests have various window period which is referring to the time between potential exposure to HIV infection and the time when the test is carried out
  • The longer the window period of HIV test, the higher chance of missing the early discovery of HIV infection
  • The shortest window period for HIV-1 screening can be 5 days (120 hours)
  • Talk to your healthcare provider for a suitable HIV test
  • Do not start taking PrEP if you are HIV positive, other anti-HIV medication for HIV treatment would be needed

Hepatitis B status 

Besides HIV status, you are also required to get Hepatitis B screening right before the medication.

  • If you are infected by Hepatitis B and taking PrEP at the same time, Hepatitis B could get worse once stop taking PrEP. Serious side effect might be the consequence in this case.
  • Do not stop PrEP without consulting your healthcare provider if you find yourself infected by Hepatitis B while taking PrEP.

PrEP does not help preventing Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

Sexually transmitted disease might facilitate HIV transmission and infection. Your healthcare provider may advise you to receive STD tests before taking PrEP.

  • Syphilis
  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Other kinds of STD

Liver and renal function

Taking PrEP could impair liver and renal function. Your healthcare provider needs to have a comprehensive understanding on your health condition before offering PrEP, so as to monitor the effect of PrEP.

Tell your healthcare provider before taking PrEP if you….

  • Have bone problems
  • Have other medical conditions
  • Are pregnant or plan to be

One tablet of PrEP, Once a day, EVERYDAY

Keep in mind that PrEP is not a vaccine. You need to follow the dosage in order to effectively reduce the risk of suffering HIV. Missing a dose might increase the chance of getting HIV.