PrEP is short for for “Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis”
- PrEp is a medication that, when taken daily, can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission in people who are HIV negative and at risk for becoming positive.
- It has been shown to be as high as 92% effective at reducing risk for HIV when taken every day (without missing a dose).
- PrEP works by disrupting HIV and preventing it from establishing a foothold in the body and causing a systemic infection when someone is exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use.
- It is a powerful HIV prevention tool and can be combined with condoms and other prevention methods to provide even greater protection than when used alone.
- People who use PrEP must commit to taking the drug every day and seeing their health care provider for follow-up ( to screen for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, and to monitor for side effects from the medication) every three months.
- PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, and it is not a cure for HIV.
Can be accessed at the sexual health clinic by booking an appointment: 705-474-1400, ext. 5289.
Frequently asked questions about PrEP can be found at TheSexYouWant.ca.