MAVIJANAA TUJILINDE NA PREP

PREP is Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. Pre means before, Exposure means the state of having no protection from something harmful, while prophylaxis means to prevent or control the spread of an infection or a disease. Therefore, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis is medicine used by people who do not have HIV to prevent them from acquiring HIV infection. It contains tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine recommended for prevention of HIV-1 acquisition. The drug was initially designed for individuals categorized as high risk but WHO (World Health Organization) later released new guidelines and policies that highlighted the recommendation of PREP to be availed as an HIV prevention choice to persons assessed to be at substantial and ongoing risk of acquiring HIV. When a person is exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use, having the PrEP medicine in the bloodstream can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout the body. However, if PrEP is not taken effectively, there may not be enough medicine in the bloodstream to block the virus.

Who takes PrEP?

• A HIV-negative partner who is unsure of his or her partner's status.
• A sero-discordant couple – this is a couple that has one partner positive and the other partner negative.
• Female sex workers.
• Men who have sex with men.
• People who inject drugs.

How do you take PrEP?

PrEP is administered orally (through swallowing pills) and it may also be given through injection shots.

When do you take PREP?

Before you take PrEP, you must ensure you have taken an HIV test to ensure you are negative. PrEP is taken at least seven days before a possible sexual exposure to HIV.

Am I 100% safe when I start taking PrEP?

PrEP only protects you from getting HIV when you take it effectively. That is at the same time every day at the time prescribed by your health care provider. PrEP does not protect you from getting STDs. Continue to use condoms while taking PrEP. It does not protect against other STDs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. Combining condom use with PrEP will further reduce your risk of HIV, as well as protect you from other STDs.

What are the side effects of PREP?

PREP is safe, but some individuals experience side effects like diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pains. These side effects do not usually last for long as they go away after some time. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effects that are severe or do not go away.

What Happens if I discontinue my PREP pills?

When one discontinues taking PrEP pill, the amount of medication in the blood drops until there is none left, and the protection it provides against HIV wears off. When a person is exposed to the virus at such a time, the virus gets a chance to multiply in the body, raising the risk of contracting HIV.

When should I stop taking PREP?

One can stop taking PrEP when:

• Your risk of getting HIV becomes low because of changes in your life.
• You often forget to take your pills.
• You have side effects from the medicine that are interfering with your life.
• Blood tests show that your body is reacting to PrEP in unsafe ways.

Where can I get PREP?

PrEP is found in health facilities at the HIV testing and services centers and youth-friendly centers. As HEDSO, we collaborate with partners who provide free PREP services during our Ending Triple Threat campaigns. Visit our social media websites to know when we are near you.

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