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- PrEP does not provide immediate protection—it must be taken daily for 7 days before it offers full protection. It should continue to be taken daily.
- PrEP does not prevent any other sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy.
- PrEP does not protect someone from HIV after exposure.
HIV-negative people interested in PrEP should receive counselling prior to PrEP initiation and at follow-up visits while they are actively taking PrEP.
The information you will find here, is a quick reference guide to support consistent counselling efforts and provide helpful reminders for important topics to cover. It is a supplement for existing counselling practice and guidelines, not a comprehensive replacement.
First visit: HIV and blood test screening. Get your PrEP supply for a month.
One month visit: HIV and blood test screening Get your 3-month prescription and collect your pills every month
Monthly visit: Use your prescription to collect your pills every month at your clinic
Every three months: Every 3 months, you return for an HIV test and a new 3-month prescription for PrEP
PrEP should not be used as HIV treatment. HIV-positive people need a combination of three ARVs for treatment, given by the healthcare provider, according to their needs.
Yes, PrEP can be taken with any kind of contraception.
No. You need to take the pill once a day for at least 7 days before you are fully protected.
No. It is important that you take PrEP daily while at risk of getting HIV.
When you feel that you are no longer at risk you can talk to your healthcare provider about stopping PrEP.
PrEP is a new, safe, HIV prevention method for HIV-negative people who feel they might be at risk of getting HIV.
No. It only protects against HIV infection. PrEP does not protect against pregnancy or other sexually transmitted infections.
PrEP is the use of anti-HIV medication that keeps HIV-negative people from getting HIV.Pre – beforeExposure – coming into contact with HIVProphylaxis – a medicine to prevent infection
HIV-negative people who take PrEP every day can lower their risk of HIV by more than 90%.
All three contain antiretroviral medicines in different combination for different purposes:
PrEP is a pill that has 2 anti-HIV medicines taken daily to prevent HIV for HIV-negative people. PrEP is taken before you think you might be exposed to HIV.
PEP is taken within 72 hours after exposure to HIV (e.g. after rape) for 28 days to prevent HIV. PeP is taken after you think you have been exposed to HIV.
ART is a 3-medicine treatment for HIV-positive people that reduces the levels of HIV in a person’s body. ART helps the body stay strong and helps it fight off infections and other illnesses.
PrEP should be taken once a day at approximately the same time. It can be taken within a few hours of the normal time - as long as only one pill is taken per day.
It takes up to 7 days to be fully protected. PrEP must be taken daily!
PrEP has been shown to be safe.
PrEP is also safe with alcohol and drugs, as well as contraceptives and other medicine.
Some people may experience mild side effects when they start PrEP.
The most common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Diarrhoea
- Depression
- Abnormal dreams
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Problems sleeping
- Changes in appetite
In most people, these side effects go away after a few weeks.
No. PrEP does not cause HIV. The medications in PrEP work to prevent HIV.
No. Using condoms is still the best way to prevent HIV infection. PrEP is an extra HIV prevention option and where possible, should be used in combination with condoms.
No. PrEP does not prevent STIs or pregnancy.
Using condoms correctly and consistently is still the best way to protect against HIV, STIs and unwanted pregnancy.