HIV prevention
PrEP: pre-exposure prophylaxis
PrEP: pre-exposure prophylaxis
One of the available services at Clinique Santé+
Taking Medication to Prevent an HIV Infection
Our expertise enables us to offer full preventive services in the area of sexual health. In addition to sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) screening and treatment, our clinic safeguards the sexual health of our patients through PrEP treatments. Dr. Martin Potter and his experienced, attentive team offer pre-exposure prophylaxis, commonly called PrEP, which aims to prevent the transmission of HIV. It’s possible to get an appointment quickly, either online or by telephone, whether you want to learn more, get answers to your questions or benefit from monitoring by a team of professionals.
What is PrEP?
PrEP is a preventive treatment made possible through oral antiretroviral medications. Our team prescribes this anti-HIV medication in the form of tablets containing two different medications. There are two types of tablets approved by Health Canada: the original brand-name medication, Descovy, and a generic version.
PrEP is a medication that a patient takes continuously before, during and after possible exposure to HIV. When taken daily, the tablets are up to 99-percent effective at preventing an HIV infection. In order to be effective, the concentration of medication in the body must remain at a constant, fairly elevated level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answers to Your Questions About PrEP
No. PrEP is only effective at preventing the transmission of HIV. Wearing a condom is an effective means of preventing most types of STBBIs.
No. The generic brand and the original brand of the PrEP medication offer the same degree of protection.
It takes approximately seven days to build up a therapeutic level of the medication in the body. It becomes effective in the mucous membranes of the anus more quickly than in the mucous membranes of the vagina, which require a period of approximately 21 days. Therefore, it’s recommendable to use a condom in the interim.
No. Healthcare professionals can prescribe PrEP whenever they feel it’s necessary.
No. PEP aims to prevent HIV transmission after a one-time exposure. It contains three medications, which a patient takes for 28 days, starting 72 hours after exposure to HIV. On the other hand, a patient takes PrEP continuously for purposes of prevention.
As in the case of a number of other medications, possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and dizziness. Between 1 and 10 percent of the participants in clinical trials experienced these symptoms.
This treatment entails taking a total of four tablets on the days before and after having sexual relations. The patient takes the first two tablets 24 hours before having sex, the next one 24 hours after the first dose, and the final one 24 hours after that. Contact us to find out if this procedure might be appropriate for you.
It’s recommendable to take the missed dose as soon as possible after you realize that you missed it. It won’t do any good to take two tablets at once, as doing so hasn’t demonstrated any appreciable benefit.
It’s recommendable to wait approximately 28 days after the last possible exposure to HIV before you stop taking PrEP.
No. PrEP only provides protection from an HIV infection to the person taking the medication.
Make an appointment for pre-exposure prophylaxis
Our team is here for you!
Schedule an appointment with our team today. We’ll be happy to answer all your questions regarding pre-exposure prophylaxis, write you a prescription, if necessary, and monitor your sexual health at our clinic.