Pre-exposure prophylaxis

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (often abbreviated as PrEP) is a preventive measure that involves the use of antiretroviral drugs to reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are at high risk. It is a powerful HIV prevention tool and can be combined with condoms and other prevention methods to provide even greater protection than when used alone.

Overview

Pre-exposure prophylaxis is a strategy in which healthy individuals who are at high risk of getting HIV take antiretroviral medication regularly to lower their chances of getting infected if they are exposed to the virus. It is a powerful tool for preventing HIV and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for certain groups, including people who are in an ongoing sexual relationship with an HIV-positive partner, gay or bisexual men who have had anal sex without a condom or been diagnosed with an STD in the past six months, and heterosexual men or women who do not regularly use condoms during sex with partners of unknown HIV status.

Mechanism of Action

The antiretroviral drugs used in PrEP work by blocking an enzyme called reverse transcriptase that HIV uses to replicate itself. By blocking this enzyme, the drugs prevent HIV from establishing an infection in the body.

Efficacy

When taken consistently, PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are at high risk by up to 92%. It is much less effective if it is not taken consistently.

Side Effects

Some people taking PrEP may experience side effects like nausea, but these side effects are usually mild and go away over time. If you are taking PrEP, it is important to tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

See Also

• HIV/AIDS
• Antiretroviral therapy
• Post-exposure prophylaxis