This includesserodiscordant couplesin which one partner isHIV-positiveand the other isHIV-negative.
Taking PrEP does not mean you’re able to stopusing condomsor avoid traditional risk-reduction strategies.
Studies are currently underway to evaluate Descovy for PrEP in people who engage in receptive vaginal sex.
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For these individuals, condoms and other traditional preventive strategies may be a more practical solution.
In addition, the healthcare provider will order blood tests to check yourkidney functionorliver function.
Although rare, Apretude may cause damage to the liver, and its use should be monitored as well.
Values under 30 mL/min are an indication of severe kidney impairment.
Precautions and Considerations
PrEP should be delayed in anyone who hassigns of a recent HIV infection.
The tablet must be taken every day to achieve optimal protection.
It can take up to three weeks for the drug to reach the maximum protective concentration.
Each injection is 600 mg.
Among injecting drug users, oral PrEP reduces the risk by at least 74%.
Apretude comes with a boxed warning to not use the medication unless a negative HIV test is confirmed.
This is to reduce the risk of developing drug resistance.
Discard any expired tablets.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of your next dose, skip the original dose and continue as normal.
Do not double up doses.
Apretude is injected into the gluteal muscles (buttocks) every two months by a healthcare provider.
It can be given up to seven days before or after the date of the next scheduled injection.
Side Effects
As with all drugs, Truvada, Descovy, and Apretude can cause side effects.
In rare cases, the drugs can cause severe side effects, often in people with pre-existing health conditions.
Common
Truvada and Descovy have slightly different mechanisms of action but many of the same side effects.
When taking oral PrEP (Descovy or Truvada) the most concerning is the risk of kidney impairment.
Those who experience depressive symptoms or a hypersensitivity reaction should seek prompt medical attention.
If used,liver function testsshould be routinely repeated.Hepatitis B treatmentshould also be considered.
Truvada and Descovy are considered safe for use during pregnancy.
Drug Interactions
There are few major drug interactions associated with PrEP medication.
This can reduce the effectiveness PrEP.
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U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.Prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection: preexposure prophylaxis.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preexposure prophylaxis for the prevention of HIV infection in the United States.
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Yerly S, Hirschel B.Diagnosing acute HIV infection.Exp Rev Anti-Infective Ther.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How effective is PrEP?
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