PrEP HIV, also known as HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, is a method of preventing infection by the HIV virus and corresponds to the combination of two antiretroviral drugs that prevent the virus from multiplying within the body, preventing the person from becoming infected..
PrEP must be used every day to be effective in preventing infection by the virus. This medication has been available free of charge by SUS since 2017, and it is important that its use is indicated and guided by the general practitioner or infectious disease.
What it is for and how it works
PrEP is used to prevent infection by the HIV virus, and the use of the drug is recommended every day according to the doctor's guidance. PrEP corresponds to the combination of two antiretroviral drugs, Tenofovir and Entricitabine. These drugs act directly on the virus, preventing its replication and entry into cells, being effective in preventing HIV infection.
This medicine only has an effect if taken every day so that there is sufficient concentration of the medicine in the bloodstream and, thus, it is effective. It is important that even with PrEP, condoms are used in sexual intercourse, as this medication does not prevent pregnancy or the transmission of other sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, for example. Learn all about STDs.
When is indicated
Despite being available free of charge through the Unified Health System, according to the Ministry of Health, PrEP is not suitable for everyone, but for people who are part of specific groups of the population, such as:
- Trans people; Sex workers; People who have sex with other men; People who frequently have sex, anal or vaginal, without a condom; People who have sex frequently without a condom with someone who is infected with the HIV virus and not in treatment or the treatment is not being done correctly; People who have sexually transmitted diseases.
Thus, in the case of people who fit this profile established by the Ministry of Health, it is recommended that they seek medical advice on PrEP and use the medication as directed. The doctor usually orders some tests to check if the person already has a disease and, thus, can indicate how the prophylactic anti-HIV medicine should be. See how you get tested for HIV.
