Is PrEP Right For Me?

1. PrEP works by keeping HIV from "setting up shop" in my body if I'm exposed.

True

False

It takes 7 days for Truvada to reach effective levels in the bloodstream. When taken daily, the medication lowers the amount of HIV in the body by stopping the HIV virus from reproducing. Some HIV can resist the effects of Truvada. The National Institutes of Health recommends consistent use of BOTH PrEP AND condoms to most effectively reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

Explanation

It takes 7 days for Truvada to reach effective levels in the bloodstream. When taken daily, the medication lowers the amount of HIV in the body by stopping the HIV virus from reproducing. Some HIV can resist the effects of Truvada. The National Institutes of Health recommends consistent use of BOTH PrEP AND condoms to most effectively reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

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

True

False

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.

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.

3. Any of the following might happen when I take PrEP:

Nausea

Kidney damage

Headache

All of the Above

None of the Above

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

5. Everyone at high risk for HIV should take PrEP.

True

False

I don't know

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.

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.

Is Prep Right For Me?