Introduction

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) remains one of the most serious public health challenges globally and in the United States. While medical advances have transformed HIV from a fatal illness into a manageable chronic condition, prevention is still the most powerful tool in reducing new infections.

One of the most effective biomedical prevention methods available today is PrEP — short for pre-exposure prophylaxis. This medication, when taken correctly, offers strong protection for people at higher risk of HIV.

This page will cover:

• How is PrEP Taken in daily life and clinical settings

• The Impact of PrEP on HIV prevention rates

• PrEP and How it Works to Reduce HIV Incidences in communities

• Clinical guidance, real-world applications, and public health perspectives

What is PrEP?

PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a preventive HIV medication regimen for HIV-negative individuals at risk of exposure. The goal is to keep the virus from establishing an infection in the body if exposure occurs.

Currently, PrEP is available in oral pill form and, in some cases, long-acting injectable formulations. It is prescribed only after confirming an individual is HIV-negative through approved testing.

How is PrEP Taken?

Keyword target: How is PrEP Taken

Taking PrEP correctly is crucial for its effectiveness. There are two main approaches:

1. Daily Oral PrEP

• Daily regimen: One pill taken at the same time each day.

• Works best when adherence is consistent. Missing doses may lower protection.

2. Event-Based or On-Demand PrEP

• Used by some men who have sex with men (MSM) in certain countries under medical guidance.

• Involves taking specific doses before and after potential HIV exposure.

3. Injectable PrEP

• Long-acting injectable PrEP is administered by a healthcare provider.

• Injections are typically given every few weeks or months depending on the formulation.

Important:
Regardless of the method, PrEP must be started before potential exposure and taken exactly as prescribed. Before beginning PrEP, individuals undergo:

• HIV testing to confirm negative status

• Kidney function tests (for oral PrEP)

• Regular follow-up visits for continued HIV testing and monitoring

Impact of PrEP on HIV

Keyword target: Impact of PrEP on HIV

The introduction of PrEP has significantly altered HIV prevention strategies worldwide. Research consistently shows that:

• PrEP can reduce the risk of getting HIV from sexual contact by up to 99% when taken daily as prescribed.

• For people who inject drugs, consistent PrEP use can reduce the risk by at least 74%.

• In communities with high PrEP uptake, new HIV incidence rates decline sharply over time.

Real-World Impact

Studies from cities like San Francisco, London, and Sydney reveal measurable decreases in HIV diagnoses following large-scale PrEP rollout. These trends underscore PrEP’s role as a public health game changer.

PrEP and How It Works to Reduce HIV Incidences

Keyword target: PrEP and How it Works to Reduce HIV Incidences

PrEP works by delivering antiretroviral (ARV) medication into the bloodstream before exposure. If HIV enters the body, the drugs block the virus from replicating inside immune cells. Without replication, the virus cannot establish a permanent infection.

The medication used in PrEP — most commonly a combination of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and emtricitabine (FTC) — is the same as some drugs used to treat HIV, but in this case, it’s prescribed for prevention in HIV-negative individuals.

Key points in reducing HIV incidences:

• High adherence means high protection.

• Community-level uptake reduces the pool of potential new infections.

• PrEP complements other prevention strategies like condoms, regular testing, and treatment as prevention (TasP).

Who Should Consider PrEP?

PrEP is recommended for people at substantial risk of HIV exposure, such as:

• People with a sexual partner living with HIV (especially if the partner has a detectable viral load)

• Individuals who do not regularly use condoms with partners of unknown HIV status

• People who inject drugs and share injection equipment

• Anyone with a recent history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Steps to Start PrEP

1. HIV Testing – Confirm negative status before starting.

2. Medical Evaluation – Kidney and liver function tests, discussion of risks and benefits.

3. Prescription – Based on individual needs and risk profile.

4. Follow-Up – HIV tests every few months, ongoing adherence counseling.

PrEP in Public Health

Beyond individual protection, PrEP plays a major role in reducing HIV spread across entire communities. When many people at high risk use PrEP, the number of new infections drops, creating a “community protection effect.”

Health agencies often combine PrEP access with:

• Awareness campaigns

• Free or low-cost HIV testing

• STI screening and treatment services

Potential Side Effects and Considerations

Most people tolerate PrEP well, but some may experience:

• Mild nausea or headaches in the first weeks

• Temporary changes in kidney function (usually reversible)

Healthcare providers monitor for side effects and can recommend adjustments or alternative formulations.

The Future of PrEP

Research is ongoing into:

• More long-acting injectable options

• Implantable PrEP devices

• PrEP combinations that protect against multiple sexually transmitted infections

These innovations could further simplify HIV prevention and make PrEP even more accessible.

Sources & References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – “PrEP Effectiveness”

2. World Health Organization (WHO) – “Consolidated Guidelines on HIV Prevention”

3. Aidsmap – “How PrEP Works”

4. San Francisco Department of Public Health – HIV Surveillance Reports

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication regimen, including PrEP.