PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
You can protect yourself from getting HIV with different tools. Using condoms when you have sex is the most common one. Another effective tool to protect yourself is called PrEP.
What is PrEP?
PrEP stands for “Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis”. PrEP is a medication taken by HIV-negative (free of HIV) people BEFORE they are exposed to HIV to protect them from HIV transmission. We currently use daily oral medication Ricovir-EM for PrEP. PrEP does not prevent you from other infections that you can get when having sex, so it is still important to use condoms to be protected from these.
Who is PrEP for?
PrEP is recommended for people who are at high risk of getting HIV. You are at high risk if you are a man who has anal sex with other men and do not always use a condom, or if you have a heterosexual partner who has HIV and you want to have a baby, or if you are someone whose partner has HIV, but is not taking HIV medication, and you don’t always use a condom. PrEP can help you to worry less about getting HIV.
Why are you guys promoting PrEP?
Because at V-Med Cambodia we believe providing more choices to our clients to promote better quality of life. It has been endorsed around the world that PrEP is effective in preventing HIV infection. It is another tool in the fight against HIV and to end HIV. We would like everyone to know about this new tool so everyone can make an informed decision for themselves base on accurate information.
How well does PrEP protect me from getting HIV?
PrEP works very well if you take it every day. We know from the research that PrEP provides at least a 99% risk reduction for HIV infection. You should try to take it at the same time each day. If you don’t take the tablets every day, you may not be as well protected against HIV. Our doctor can give you more information.
How long do I have to take PrEP before I’m protected from getting HIV?
This depends on the type of sex you are having. If you are a man who has sex with men, you will be protected after taking PrEP every day for 7 days. If you are a woman, you will need to take it every day for 20 days before you are protected. Your doctor can give you more information.
Does PrEP have side effects?
Not everyone will have side effects. Most people won’t have any. Side effects can include nausea, dizziness, headaches, tiredness, stomach cramps and diarrhoea. Usually, these stop after a few weeks. If they last longer you should see our doctor.
Are there any long - term side effects?
Most people who take PrEP do not have any serious problems. However, taking PrEP for a long time can affect your kidneys, so it’s important that these are checked. Your doctor will do a blood test every three months while you are taking PrEP to check this.
If I take PrEP do I have to take it forever?
No, you don’t. You can stop and start PrEP as your life and risk of getting HIV changes. You should only take PrEP during the times you are at high risk of getting HIV. For example: you might take PrEP when you are having a lot of different sexual partners or you are trying to have a baby. You can stop taking PrEP when that changes.
Can I take PrEP if I am trying to get pregnant?
Yes, you can. If you are trying to get pregnant and your partner has HIV, you can take PrEP to protect yourself and your baby from HIV. To be protected from HIV you must take PrEP every day for 20 days before you and your partner have sex without a condom. You must take it every day while you are trying to get pregnant and keep taking PrEP for 30 days after the last time you have sex without a condom. Taking PrEP will not stop yvou from getting pregnant. If you are a woman with HIV and your partner does not have HIV, your partner can take PrEP to protect himself when you have sex without a condom. Our clinical team can give you more information.
Can I take PrEP if I am taking other medications?
Yes. It’s usually safe to take PrEP and other medications at the same time, but you should always check with your doctor.
How can I get PrEP?
To get PrEP you need to see our doctovr who is experienced in HIV to find out if PrEP is right for you. The doctor will ask you questions about your sexual life to see if you should take PrEP. Our doctor will keep your personal information private and confidential.
After deciding PrEP is for you:
A HIV test. If this shows that you already have HIV, you should NOT take PrEP. A hepatitis B test. If you have chronic hepatitis B the doctor might need to do more tests to decide if you should take PrEP. Kidney and liver tests (blood tests), as these can be affected by the PrEP medication. Tests for other infections you can get from having sex. If PrEP is right for you, the doctor will give you a prescription and to receive PrEP.
How can I get more information about PrEP?
You can contact our experienced clinical team and we will be very happy to answer all your questions. We can make a free appointment for you to meet us and chat about PrEP and help you to make an informed decision that is best for you and your health.
*source: PrEPaccessNow & The Multicultural HIV and Hepatitis Service, NSW, Australia
