PrEP and PEP

PrEP and PEP (pre and post exposure prophylaxis) are key ways in preventing HIV infection. PrEP and PEP refer to two different concepts but both work for the same goal of HIV protection. People at different points in their lives may require protection from HIV.

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HIV treatment varies according to circumstances and the time of inception. A common treatment does not apply to all patients. The method usually incorporates slight changes before its application on the patients. At OSRA Medical, with the best facilities of PrEP and PEP in San Francisco, we ensure that patients receive excellent treatment.

The Concept of PrEP vs PEP

So, let us understand the concept behind PrEP vs PEP in San Francisco.

PrEP

PrEP is for people who do not have HIV but are at risk of getting HIV through sex or injection drug use. Specifically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that PrEP be considered for people who are HIV negative and who have had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months and:

• Have a sexual partner with HIV (especially if the partner has an unknown or detectable viral load), or

• Have not consistently used a condom, or

• Have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the past 6 months.

PrEP is also recommended for people without HIV who inject drugs and:

• Have an injection partner with HIV, or

• Share needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs.

PrEP should also be considered for people without HIV who have been prescribed non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) and:

• Report continued risk behavior, or

• Have used multiple courses of PEP

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. The treatment is specific for people at a higher risk of contracting HIV.  Individuals with higher levels of sexual intercourse and intravenous transfusions are eligible for this treatment. Additionally, people working in HIV units and laboratories can also receive it. Individuals with HIV-positive partners can also benefit from it. The treatment involves the prescription of medicines. These Medicines ensure that the virus does not proliferate and initiate an infection. 

Through PrEP, the HIV infection rate can significantly decrease. Also, regular costs and screening can help to lower the chances of infection. The method is not effective against the protection for other STDs, but it remains beneficial for HIV.

Side Effects of PrEP

Side effects of the treatment may include nausea followed by vomiting in rare cases. However, with time, these may diminish.

PEP

PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. For individuals who think that they have been exposed to HIV for less than 72 hours, this method is effective. It is one of the primary care therapies provided to HIV patients. The physicians prescribe medication that lasts for almost a month. 

The physicians may also advise the patients to undergo screening. Afterward, if sufficient viral load is detected in the results, full-scale treatments protocols begin. Else patients can rely on the PEP medication and exhibit recovery.

Side Effects of PEP

PEP has similar side effects as PrEP. They may include vomiting or nausea. These effects are eradicated once the patient's body becomes accustomed to the medicines.

PrEP VS PEP

PrEP is only appropriate before contracting HIV to reduce the risk of infection. PEP is only applicable after 72 hours of the inception of the virus. The treatments are not interchangeable and must be delivered to the patients according to circumstances.