What is PrEP?
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is a medication used to prevent HIV infection. (HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus, the virus that causes AIDS when left untreated). People who do not have HIV can take this medication to increase the chances that they will not get it.
According to Health Canada, PrEP is proven to be 90%+ effective at preventing HIV infection during sex when used as prescribed.
PrEP is prescribed to prevent HIV. It is not prescribed to treat HIV for those who already have the virus.
What medications are used for PrEP?
There are currently a few different FDA-approved medications used for PrEP:
- Truvada – a once-a-day pill
-
Descovy – a once-a-day pill
- Currently available for prescription through Teladoc Health Primary Care
- Apretude – an injection given once every 2 months or less
How long has PrEP been around?
The FDA first approved Truvada as a medication in 2004. And in 2016, Health Canada approved it specifically for HIV prevention as PrEP.
Apreptude is the first long-acting injectable PrEP for the prevention of HIV. It is now available in Canada as of May 2024.
Is it safe?
Yes, PrEP is generally a safe medication. PrEP has undergone many tests to make sure it works well in the human body. But it is still required that people who take PrEP get lab tests every 3 months. These tests are to make sure the patient’s kidneys are working properly and to make sure the patient is still HIV-negative.
What are the most common side effects?
Not everyone gets side effects from PrEP medication. For patients who do, those side effects are usually mild and go away with time. These can include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Stomach pain
Tell your care provider right away if you experience any severe side effects, or if side effects don’t go away over time.
Is PrEP right for me?
The choice is yours! You and your care provider can discuss if PrEP is right for you. PrEP is generally recommended for anyone who has:
- More than one sex partner
- A sex partner who has HIV
- Recently had sex without a condom
- Shared injection equipment (like diabetes lancets) or uses injection drugs
To be prescribed PrEP, a patient must:
- Be HIV-negative (and continue testing HIV-negative up to and while using PrEP)
- Be able to take the medication as directed
PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV infection when used as directed. But it is not approved to treat HIV. If someone with HIV uses PrEP, the virus may become resistant to the drug. That’s why it is so important to prevent HIV infection by using the medication exactly as it’s prescribed. And it is just as important to get tested every 3 months while using PrEP to make sure you are still HIV-negative.
Depending on your situation, your care provider may refer you for an additional consult with a specialist.
PrEP is for adults of all ages, races, genders and sexes assigned at birth.
How much does PrEP cost?
In Canada, the average cost of a 30-day supply of PrEP is around $160. However, many provincial and territorial governments offer financial assistance to cover some or all of the cost.
How often would I need to schedule healthcare provider visits while taking PrEP?
It is recommended that you meet with your care provider—and get lab tests—every 3 months while taking PrEP. This is to make sure that you are still HIV-negative, that you’re able to take the medication as directed, and that your body and the meds are working well together. You and your care provider can decide how often your appointments should be.
Is PrEP really worth it?
Yes, PrEP is encouraged for people who are eligible for it. It has been tested, is safe for most patients and is effective at preventing HIV.
PrEP does not prevent pregnancy. It does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections. Patients are encouraged to use another form of birth control and to still use a condom while taking PrEP to protect themselves against infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HPV.
Where can I learn more about PrEP?
Check out the info sources for this article: