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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.
Currently in South Africa, PrEP is being provided through a limited number of service delivery sites. If you feel you are at risk of getting HIV, and want to find out more about PrEP, search for your nearest PrEP provider using the PrEP finder.