PrEP
What is PrEP?
PrEP, or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, is a medication used to prevent HIV infection before exposure to the virus. When taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider, PrEP can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission through both sexual contact and shared injection equipment.
While PrEP is highly effective in preventing HIV, it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis, gonorrhea, or herpes. For comprehensive protection, it is still important to use condoms consistently.
How Effective is PrEP?
- When taken daily as prescribed, PrEP reduces the risk of acquiring HIV through sexual contact by up to 99%.
- For people who inject drugs, PrEP lowers the risk by at least 74%.
- Skipping doses or not following medical guidance can decrease its effectiveness.
- Injectable PrEP is not currently recommended for people who inject drugs due to limited research data.
How Long Does It Take for PrEP to Become Fully Effective?
PrEP does not provide immediate protection. The medication must reach a sufficient level in the body to effectively block HIV. The time required depends on the type of exposure:
- Receptive anal sex (bottoming): PrEP must be taken daily for at least 7 days to reach full protection.
- Vaginal sex or injection drug use: PrEP must be taken consistently for at least 21 days for maximum effectiveness.
- Insertive sex (topping): There is currently no conclusive data on the exact time required for protection.
As for injectable PrEP, research is still ongoing. There is not yet a confirmed timeline for how long it takes to reach optimal protection. Therefore, to ensure maximum effectiveness, PrEP should be started before potential exposure and taken continuously as advised by your healthcare provider.
What Forms of PrEP Are Available?
Currently, there are two main forms of PrEP: daily oral tablets and long-acting injectable medication. Each option is suitable for different groups based on their lifestyle and risk level.
| Form | Medication Name | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Oral PrEP (Daily Tablet) | Truvada® | Suitable for all genders and ages at risk of HIV through sexual activity or shared needle use. |
| Descovy® | Approved for individuals at risk through sexual activity, except for those assigned females at birth who are at risk via vaginal sex. | |
| Injectable PrEP (Every 2 months) | Apretude | The first injectable PrEP approved for use. Ideal for individuals at risk of HIV through sexual contact. |
How Much Does PrEP Cost?
Thailand’s National Health Security Office (NHSO) has recently introduced an important new benefit for Thai citizens: PrEP is now included under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme. This policy aims to reduce the spread of HIV across the country and promote equitable access to healthcare services for individuals at high risk.
PrEP is widely available in Thailand and can be accessed through various healthcare providers, clinics, and organizations. Options for accessing PrEP include:
- Public hospitals: Provincial and major city government hospitals
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Private clinics
PrEP is a safe and effective method of HIV prevention. If you are at risk or simply want to take an extra step to protect yourself, learning more about PrEP and consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine if it is the right option for you.