HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Basics - What are PrEP and PEP?

EXPLAINER HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Basics April 2024 What are PrEP and PEP? PrEP (pronounced like the first syllable in “preparation”) and PEP (pronounced like the first syllable in “pepper”) are medications that decrease the likelihood of becoming Statistical infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) if exposed to it. [...] benefit from PrEP How are PrEP and PEP used? In the United States, PrEP is approved as a daily oral pill and as a long-acting injectable. [...] The two versions of the pill form combine different antiretroviral medications; the The United States 36,136 injectable version must be administered by a health care provider every two months.saw new HIV infections in 2021 Time is of the essence for beginning PEP, as a person must start the regimen as soon as possible within 72 hours of a known or possible HIV exposure. [...] PrEP Regimens Who Can Use Them Daily oral PrEP (Truvada® and All people at risk of HIV from sex or generic versions) injection drug use Daily oral PrEP (Descovy®) Men and transgender women at risk of HIV from sex Injectable PrEP (Apretude®) All people over 77 pounds at risk of HIV “Intermittent,” “event-based,” or Men who have anal sex with men “off-label” oral PrEP (2-1-1 schedule) How do PrEP an. [...] PrEP and PEP work of getting HIV outweighs the risk of side effects like by preventing HIV replication so the immune system can clear the virus before it gastrointestinal upset, permanently establishes itself in the body.