PrEP means Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, and it’s the use of anti-HIV medications to keep HIV negative people from becoming infected. PrEP is approved by the FDA and has been shown to be safe and effective at preventing HIV infection.
| PrEP | PEP |
Definition | Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis | Post Exposure Prophylaxis |
Who should
| Pre-exposure prophylaxis is used PRIOR to exposure to a situation where you may encounter HIV:
| Post exposure prophylaxis is taken AFTER an encounter which may have increased your chances of contracting HIV: |
How beneficial is it?
| PrEP when taken on a daily basis is a preventative measure for HIV. It is 90% effective when taken daily as prescribed. It takes seven days for the medication to become at a therapeutic level of effectiveness | PEP can help decrease the risk of transmission when taken within 72 hours of possible exposure however is less effective than PrEP
|
Conclusion | Most effective choice | Only used in emergency circumstances |
Where can
| Prescribed by a health care professional. Call 352-401-7552 for an appointment
| Prescribed by a health care professional or emergency department. Call 352-401-7552 and ask for urgent appointment due to possible HIV exposure |