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HIV Prevention
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an extremely effective HIV prevention method.
Pre-Exposure means it needs to be taken before sex – and Prophylaxis is a scientific term for something that prevents an illness.
PrEP is an HIV prevention method where people take a pill either daily or around a planned potential HIV exposure event, that can greatly reduce the risk of new HIV infection by up to 99% (if taken daily) as part of a prevention strategy.
When taken on a daily basis, PrEP ensures there is enough HIV medication in the body to significantly reduce the risk of becoming infected with HIV if exposed during unprotected sex.
New Zealand has become one of the first countries in the world to fully fund oral tenofovir disoproxil with emtricitabine for HIV infection prophylaxis.
Increased awareness among both prescribers and patients have since led to improved community uptake, however, some people who may benefit from PrEP are still missing out. The ongoing challenge for primary care is to ensure that the people most at risk of HIV infection can easily and safely access either daily or event-driven PrEP.
Is PrEP right for me?
PrEP isn’t for everyone – if you’re using condoms every time you have casual sex, then great! You probably don’t need to be on PrEP. But there are lots of reasons that people might not use condoms every time they have sex – and for these people, PrEP is the best prevention option available.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP):
The same medicine used for PrEP can also be used for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to reduce the chances of developing HIV following an unplanned high-risk exposure.
Oral tenofovir disoproxil with emtricitabine, with or without dolutegravir, can also be prescribed as HIV PEP for patients who present within 72 hours of a potential HIV exposure.
Both PrEP and PEP are available fully funded with Special Authority approval for people at high risk of HIV infection.
Are you worried?
If you’re just generally worried about levels of risk in your sex life or in the type of sex you want to be having you can talk to your clinician about any concerns and strategies for reducing risk. Every consultation is confidential and free from judgement; we are here to help.
Link to video
Reference:
HIV pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis: a guide for primary care – bpacnz
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) – Burnett Foundation Aotearoa
