2 minute read
New ways to take PrEP
from www.endinghiv.org.au
THERE ARE THREE WAYS TO TAKE PrEP (PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS) TO PREVENT HIV, AND THEY ARE ALL JUST AS EFFECTIVE AS DAILY DOSING!
Taking PrEP daily, on-demand or periodic allow for multiple ways to protect against HIV. Each option will suit people differently based on identity, the type of sex, how often you hook up and personal preference. Ready to learn more about PrEP? Here is a brief break down.
Daily
Daily PrEP is exactly that – 1 pill daily. This will give you lasting protection against HIV. Suitable for everyone! You may want to take PrEP daily if you want to be protected from HIV but don’t want to anticipate your next hook up, if you have a busy sex life, or just prefer to have ongoing protection. Starting PrEP will vary depending on how you identify. For cis men who have sex with men: • Start by taking 2 pills 2-24 hours before sex • Take 1 pill per day, every day. For everyone else, for example trans people who have sex with other men: • Take 1 pill daily for a full 7 days before sex, then • Take 1 pill every day after that dose
On Demand
On demand PrEP is there to use when you need it. On demand PrEP is only recommended for cis men who have sex with other men. On-demand PrEP is also good for anyone who is worried about the side effects or don’t want to commit to taking a pill every day. With On Demand PrEP you take less pills but at more specific time, suitable for guys who can anticipate hooking-up. How to take PrEP On Demand - Think 2-1-1 dosing schedule • Take a double dose (2 tablets of PrEP) between 2 and 24 hours before sex • Take 1 pill 24 hours after the double dose • Take 1 pill another 24 hours after that
Periodic
Periodic PrEP is taken daily for a set period. It is event based, so think Mardi Gras season, a string of parties or a trip away. Periodic PrEP can be taken for weeks or months, stopped and then picked back up. Depending on how you identify, starting and stopping periodic PrEP will vary.
For cis men who have sex with men
To start: • Take 2 tables of PrEP between 2 and 24 hours before sex • Take 1 pill 24 hours after the double dose • Continue taking 1 pill for the duration of protection To stop: • Take 1 pill daily for 2 days • Then stop taking PrEP until next time For everyone else: • Take 1 pill daily for a full 7 days before sex Then to stop, after your last hook-up: • Take 1 pill for 28 days
