What are PrEP and PEP?

 

PrEP and PEP are HIV prevention medications. Each kind is appropriate for a certain situation:

·         PrEP - Pre-exposure prophylaxis is referred to as PrEP. It's for those who aren't infected with HIV but are at a high risk of contracting it. PrEP is a daily pill that can help to lower this risk. If you are infected with HIV, PrEP can prevent it from taking hold and spreading throughout your body.

·         PEP - The term PEP refers to post-exposure prophylaxis. PEP is an antiretroviral medication for those who have been exposed to HIV. It is only to be used in an emergency. After a suspected HIV encounter, PEP must be begun within 72 hours.

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)

Who should consider taking PrEP?

PrEP is a treatment for those who do not have HIV but are at a high risk of contracting it. This includes the following:

Gay/bisexual men who

·         Have a partner who is HIV-positive

·         Have more than one partner, a partner who has more than one partner, or a partner whose HIV status is unclear.

1.       OR have anal intercourse without using a condom

2.       Have you recently been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?

People who inject drugs and

·         To inject drugs, share needles or other injecting equipment OR

·         Are at risk of contracting HIV through sex

If you're thinking about getting pregnant and have an HIV-positive partner, talk to your doctor about PrEP. Taking it while trying to conceive, during pregnancy or while nursing may help protect you and your baby from contracting HIV.

Heterosexual men and women who

·         Have a partner who is HIV-positive

·         Have more than one partner, a partner who has more than one partner, or a partner whose HIV status is unclear.

1.       When having sex with persons who inject drugs, don't always wear a condom OR

2.       When having sex with bisexual males, don't always wear a condom.

How well does PrEP work?

When used on a daily basis, PrEP is quite effective. It lowers the risk of contracting HIV through intercourse by more than 90%. It lowers the risk of HIV by more than 70% in persons who inject drugs. If you don't take PrEP on a regular basis, it will be ineffective.

Because PrEP does not protect against other STDs, you should always wear latex condoms while having intercourse. Polyurethane condoms can be used if you or your spouse are allergic to latex.

While on PrEP, you must get an HIV test every three months, so you'll need to see your doctor on a frequent basis. Talk to your health care physician if you are having problems taking PrEP every day or if you want to discontinue taking PrEP.

Does PrEP cause side effects?

Some PrEP users may experience nausea as a side effect. The adverse effects are typically not severe and improve with time. If you're using PrEP, let your doctor know if you're experiencing any adverse effects that are bothering you or aren't going away.

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)

Who should consider taking PEP?

If you are HIV-negative and believe you may have been exposed to HIV lately, call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency department very soon.

If you are HIV-negative or don't know your HIV status and have done the following in the previous 72 hours, you may be given PEP.

·         If you believe you may have been exposed to HIV while having intercourse,

·         needles or drug production equipment that have been shared, OR

·         Have you been sexually assaulted?

If you're not sure if PEP is suitable for you, talk to your doctor or go to the emergency department.

After a suspected HIV exposure at work, such as through a needlestick injury, PEP may be given to a health care worker.

When should I begin PEP and for how long should I take it?

After a suspected HIV encounter, PEP must be begun within 72 hours (3 days). It's best to get started as soon as possible; every hour matters.

The PEP pills must be taken every day for 28 days. You'll need to see your doctor at various points while and after taking the PEP to have an HIV test and other tests.

Does PEP cause side effects?

Some persons who use PEP may experience nausea as a side effect. The adverse effects are typically not severe and improve with time. If you're using PEP, let your doctor know if you're experiencing any side effects that are bothering you or that aren't going away.

Other medicines a person is taking may interact with PEP drugs (called a drug interaction). As a result, it's critical to inform your doctor about any additional medications you're taking.

Can I take PEP every time I have unprotected sex?

PEP is only to be used in an emergency. It is not the best option for persons who are often exposed to HIV, such as those who have intercourse without a condom with an HIV-positive partner. In such situation, you should consult your doctor to see if PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is appropriate for you.

Start Here

PEP must be prescribed by a healthcare provider. if you think

You have been exposed to HIV, you should immediately contact Dr. Vinod Raina in Safe Hands

There is 24x 7 hour PEP treatment available.

Here you can also consult directly on phone call. Their phone no. is 9136363692. Or you can take an appointment by visiting their official website www.pepforhivtreatment.com

 

E-34, EKTA APARTMENT, Saket, Near Opposite Malviya Nagar Metro Station, New Delhi – 110017

 

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