Is PrEP Right For Me?

2.

If I take my PrEP every day, I’m 100% protected against getting HIV.

True
False

Correct Answer

A. False

Explanation

When taken consistently, PrEP is 92-99% effective at preventing the transmission of HIV after a SIGNIFICANT HIV EXPOSURE. If you choose to stop PrEP, you should continue taking it for at least 4 weeks after your most recent significant HIV exposure. Information from the iPrex OLE (Open Label Extension) study reported at the 2014 World AIDS Conference suggests that missing even up to 3 doses of PrEP a week still offers 96% protection against HIV. Daily PrEP use increases that number to 99%. Missing more than 3 doses a week results in a considerably higher risk of getting HIV.

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3.

Any of the following might happen when I take PrEP:

Nausea
Kidney damage
Headache
All of the Above
None of the Above

Correct Answer

A. All of the Above

Explanation

PrEP may cause serious liver or kidney damage, but only rarely. More commonly, you may have nausea when you start PrEP that tends to get better after a week or two. You may also experience headache, stomach upset or discomfort, loose stools or some weight loss. People taking PrEP rarely have to stop because of side effects. Tell your doctor if you have these or other symptoms after starting PrEP.

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4.

Once I start taking PrEP, how often should I have STI/STD testing?

Once a year
Twice a year
Once a month
Every 3 months

Correct Answer

A. Every 3 months

Explanation

You should expect blood testing before starting PrEP, including liver and kidney function and HIV antibody. You should not start PrEP if you are newly diagnosed with HIV. Your doctor may counsel you on the pros and cons of PrEP. You should meet with your doctor about every 3 months while you’re taking PrEP. Your doctor may do regular blood tests including liver and kidney function and a comprehensive panel of STI/STD’s.

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5.

Everyone at high risk for HIV should take PrEP.

True
False
I don't know

Correct Answer

A. I don't know

Explanation

There is no right answer to this question. The Centers for Disease Control has specific RECOMMENDTIONS for the use of PrEP. Nothing should replace a discussion with your doctor to determine if the potential benefits of PreP outweigh the potential risks for you.

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6.

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an additional tool, together with regular condom use, to help prevent transmission of HIV. The medication currently FDA approved for PrEP is TRUVADA, a single tablet combination of 2 antiretroviral medications (tenofovir and emtricitabine) that is a cornerstone in the treatment of HIV. Several studies (e.g. iPrex and Partners PrEP) have demonstrated a substantially lower risk of HIV transmission among HIV-negative patients taking PrEP compared to HIV-negative patients not taking PrEP who each had a similar risk for exposure to HIV. Currently, no health insurance has denied coverage for PrEP but different insurances may have different prescription co-payment rates. Contact your insurance company directly to find out the monthly cost you may expect. Gilead, the pharmaceutical manufacturer of Truvada, does offer a copay assistance program to help lower the monthly cost of Truvada for patients both with and without insurance. Think you know PrEP? Time to find out……. Disclaimer: Dr. Arcuri is not a paid spokesman for Truvada or for Gilead pharmaceuticals and he has no financial disclosures to report. The information contained in this tutorial is for informational purposes only and is neither intended nor recommended to replace the advice of any individual’s primary care physician.

Is Prep Right For Me?

PrEP works by keeping HIV from “setting up shop” in my body if I’m exposed.

Quiz Preview

If I take my PrEP every day, I’m 100% protected against getting HIV.

Any of the following might happen when I take PrEP:

Once I start taking PrEP, how often should I have STI/STD testing?

Everyone at high risk for HIV should take PrEP.