Difference Between PrEP and PEP for HIV Prevention

PrEP and PEP are two types of medication used to lower the risk of catching HIV. While they are both prophylaxes, they have different functions. PrEP is designed for people who have not been exposed to HIV yet, while PEP is recommended for anyone who is HIV-negative but has potentially been exposed to the virus. It’s important to understand the differences between these medications and the situations they are designed for to protect yourself from HIV effectively.

What are PrEP and PEP?

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that’s taken to prevent HIV infection. It should be taken by HIV-negative patients who have a risk of being exposed to HIV. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) needs to be taken after a potential exposure to HIV. Consider getting PEP if you think you might have been exposed to HIV through sex, shared needles, sexual assault, or workplace exposure in the last 72 hours.

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

PrEP is taken by people who are at risk of being exposed to HIV. You should consider taking PrEP to protect yourself from HIV during sex or drug injections. This reduces the risk of contracting HIV and transmitting it to your sexual partners.

Who Should Take PrEP?

If you have been using shared injection equipment, it’s important to take PrEP to prevent the high risk of HIV acquisition. When you have multiple sex partners, it is important to take PrEP to prevent contracting HIV and transmitting it to your partner. This medication is highly effective for individuals who want to maintain their sexual health.

PrEP Medications

There are three effective PrEP medications that are approved by the FDA to be used as prophylaxis to prevent HIV: Truvada, Descovy, and Aperture. Some of the side effects of PrEP medications are listed as follows:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Rash
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Abdominal pain

How Well Does PrEP Work?

When you take PrEP consistently as prescribed, it can reduce the risk of contracting HIV through sex by 99% and the risk of catching it through drug injection by up to 74%.

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)

PEP medication should be taken within three days (72 hours) after possible exposure to HIV. It reduces the risk that you will contract HIV due to the exposure.

Who Should Take PEP?

Here, we’ve listed some possible causes of exposure that may require taking PEP to reduce the risk of becoming HIV positive:

• Needle Stick or Other Occupational Exposure

If you’re a healthcare worker who might have accidentally been exposed to HIV-infected blood or needles, you should consider taking PEP.

• Non-Occupational Needle Sharing

If you share needles or other injection equipment with HIV-positive individuals, consider taking PEP to prevent further exposure to HIV. You can take PEP even if you do not know the HIV status of other people using the needles.

• Emergency Situations

If you’re a victim of sexual assault, there’s a high probability that you might have been exposed to HIV. It is important to take PEP immediately to protect yourself.

• High-Risk Sexual Exposure

If you have had unprotected sex with an individual who is HIV-positive or whose HIV status is unknown, consider taking PEP. Similarly, if your condom broke during sex, consider getting PEP.

PEP Medications

The approved medication for PEP includes two tablets of Raltegravir and a single tablet of Truvada. To achieve an effective result, you need to take the prescribed medication for 28 days. It should be taken by people aged 16 and older who are HIV-negative. Some of the side effects of using PEP medication include:

• Tiredness
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Headache
• Vivid dreams
• Flatulence
• Insomnia
• Upset stomach

How Well Does PEP Work?

PEP medications effectively reduce the risk of HIV infection by more than 80% if it is taken on time and as prescribed. However, it’s important to consider using other HIV prevention methods even while taking this medication.

Differences Between PrEP and PEP

Here are some of the key differences between PrEP and PEP:

Conclusion

It’s important to know the differences between PrEP and PEP to effectively protect yourself from HIV. PrEP is a proactive measure for those with ongoing risk, offering up to 99% protection when taken consistently. On the other hand, PEP serves as an emergency intervention within 72 hours of potential HIV exposure, significantly reducing the risk of infection.

If you’re looking for a reliable PrEP or PEP service provider to prevent HIV, Equality Health is the right service provider for you. Our qualified health professionals give you proper usage prescriptions and guidelines to keep you safe from HIV transmission. Contact us to protect yourself from HIV transmission now and in the future.