How you take PrEP depends on how far in advance you plan on having sex and how regularly you have sex, but does not necessarily depend on how much sex you have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are two key ways to take PrEP<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Daily PrEP<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On-Demand PrEP<\/p>\n\n\n\n
* PrEP should be taken as part of a comprehensive HIV \/ STI prevention plan. It is highly effective only if taken as prescribed above, and it is important to get tested regularly for HIV \/ STIs, monitor side-effects, and obtain new prescriptions (if necessary).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n * PrEP does not prevent other STIs, and it is highly encouraged that you maintain the use of condoms to the extent possible. PrEP also does not prevent pregnancy, and contraception should be used to prevent pregnancy if needed.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n PrEP only protects you against HIV but not other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis and hepatitis C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In some cases, PrEP can cause minor side effects like nausea, vomiting, fatigue and dizziness, but these usually disappear over time. In very rare cases, PrEP can also affect kidney functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re taking PrEP and experience any side effects that are severe or don\u2019t go away, inform your healthcare professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is essential that you undergo a few tests before or as you start PrEP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most importantly, PrEP can only be used if you are HIV negative. If you are already HIV positive and don\u2019t realize it, you could develop resistance to drugs that you will need for treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We highly recommend you to approach your healthcare provider for the following tests before purchasing and using PrEP:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4 weeks after starting on PrEP, the following check-in with your healthcare provider is recommended:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subsequently, it is recommended that you visit your healthcare provider regularly for the following tests while on PrEP:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you decide to stop PrEP, you should continue taking daily PrEP for 2 days after anal sex and for 7 days after vaginal sex. Subsequently, you should also assess your HIV status with a 4th generation HIV test after stopping PrEP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ready to start using PrEP?<\/p>\n\n\n\nPrEP risks and side effects<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Before starting PrEP<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
If your last high-risk exposure was within the last 4 weeks, repeat this test after 4 weeks to make sure an acute or recent HIV infection was not missed out<\/li>\n\n\n\n
You should not be taking PrEP if you have existing kidney problems or are taking medication that may affect your kidneys<\/li>\n\n\n\nAfter starting PrEP<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
Test<\/strong><\/th> Frequency<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead> HIV test<\/td> Every 3 months<\/td><\/tr> Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) screening<\/td> Every 3 – 6 months, depending on your sexual risk behaviour<\/td><\/tr> Renal (kidney) function test<\/td> Every 6 months<\/td><\/tr> Hepatitis C test<\/td> Every 12 months<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n