Pre-exposure prophylaxis
Pre-exposure prophylaxis
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (/priːˈɛks.pəʊ.ˈθɛr.ə.pi/), is a medical strategy that involves the use of antiretroviral drugs to prevent HIV infection. The term is derived from the English words 'pre' meaning before, 'exposure' referring to coming into contact with the virus, and 'prophylaxis' from the Greek 'prophylaktikos' meaning guarding or preventing in advance.
Usage
PrEP is used by individuals who are at high risk of contracting HIV, such as sexually active adults, intravenous drug users, and serodiscordant couples (where one partner is HIV positive and the other is not). It is typically administered in the form of a daily pill, such as Truvada or Descovy, which contain two types of antiretroviral drugs.
Effectiveness
When taken consistently, PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection by up to 92%. It is most effective when combined with other prevention methods, such as condom use and regular HIV testing.
Side Effects
Common side effects of PrEP include nausea, headache, and weight loss. In rare cases, it can cause serious health issues such as kidney damage and bone density loss.
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pre-exposure prophylaxis
- Wikipedia's article - Pre-exposure prophylaxis
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