Questions
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Answers
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Who can take PrEP?
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PrEP may be right for you if you test negative for HIV, and any of the following apply to you:
You have had anal or vaginal sex in the past six months, and you
- have a sexual
partner with HIV (especially if the partner has an unknown or detectable viral
load),
- have not
consistently used a condom, or
- have been
diagnosed with an STD in the past six months.
You inject drugs, and you
- have an injection
partner with HIV, or
- share needles,
syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs (for example, cookers).
You have been prescribed PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), and
- report continued
risk behavior, or
- have used multiple
courses of PEP.
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Is PrEP only for people who frequently have sex with multiple partners?
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PrEP is useful only to sexually active people, whether you have only one sexual partner or several partners. It gives you control over your own body.
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Is PrEP too expensive for me?
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Most insurance plans cover PrEP. If you do not have insurance, several patient assistance program options can assist you.
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If I take PrEP, do I need to use a condom?
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PrEP only protects against HIV. It does not protect from other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using condoms will protect you against STIs.
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How effective is PrEP?
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Like all medications, PrEP is not 100% effective.
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Does PrEP encourage people to have more sex?
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PrEP encourages a safe and respectful approach toward sexual intimacy. PrEP does not encourage people to have more sex partners or more sex.
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Is PrEP only needed right before sex?
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PrEP takes weeks before the preventative effects can accumulate. Receptive anal partners should take the drug a minimal seven days and vaginal partners 20 days before engaging in sex.
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What are the side effects of PrEP?
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Common side effects in people taking DESCOVY for PrEP include diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain.
Serious side effects are rare but may include kidney problems, lactic acid in the blood, and liver problems.
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