As exciting as it is to hear that the HIV test is now available at a pharmacy, it’s not always easy to navigate the complex world of medical treatments. One option that many people are exploring is known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The drug in question is known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and it is the most effective way of preventing HIV infection. While the drug is generally safe and side effects are few, there are still some people that experience serious adverse effects such as kidney damage and liver problems. In some cases, these adverse effects were caused by other drugs that the patients were also taking in conjunction with PrEP. Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of these risks and many are eager to try out this life-saving medication despite the unknowns.
Why Is Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Important?
HIV (the human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that, once inside the body, permanently weakens the immune system. Someone with HIV cannot fight off other infections like the common cold or the flu. As a result, they’re more likely to get sick and pass along the virus to others. While there are medications that can help treat HIV infection, there are also risks associated with taking certain medications. One of the major risks associated with taking certain medications is that it predisposes users to various infections. As previously stated, HIV is a virus that weakens the human immune system and thus makes people more susceptible to other infections. Because of this, it’s important to take precautions to avoid potential risks.
One of the most effective ways of avoiding HIV infection is through regular screenings and testing. The first step is to get tested for HIV antibodies. If you test positive, you need to continue testing for HIV every three months to ensure that your infection remains in check. You can also be recommended to get on antiretroviral therapy (ART) which is a combination of different medications that work in unison to suppress the HIV virus and keep it at bay.
In addition to HIV, there is also the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that, while typically not fatal, can cause liver damage and even lead to liver cancer. It is for this reason that getting tested for HCV is highly recommended for people who use intravenous drugs or had blood transfusions prior to 1992. In the case of either of those situations, there is a heightened risk of contracting the virus. As a result, getting tested for HCV and taking appropriate precautions if infected can help reduce the risk of liver damage. In some cases, patients are able to recover completely from liver cancer despite being infected with the HCV virus. Due to this, it is important to get tested for HCV and take measures to avoid infecting others if you are found to be positive.
Side Effects Of PrEP
PrEP is generally safe and side effects are few. In general, it is a mild to moderate nasal irritation that is highly dependent on the individual taking it. Some people have also complained of headaches, muscle aches, and changes in taste. In rare cases, people have experienced severe headaches and drowsiness which in some cases was caused by an interaction with alcohol or acetaminophen (paracetamol). In such cases, the headaches and drowsiness were only relieved after the patients stopped taking the medication and began again later that day. In other cases, liver enzymes increased slightly above normal which in rare instances led to damage. In these cases, the patients stopped taking the medication and their liver enzymes returned to normal within a week. In most cases, the side effects were minor and easily remedied. In some cases, they were so mild that they were barely noticeable. Some people have even reported that they enjoy taking PrEP because of the minor side effects that it brings. While there are risks associated with taking PrEP, the benefits of being able to prevent HIV infection make it well worth it.
How Effective Is It?
According to studies, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective at preventing HIV infection. In a study on male circumcision and HIV, researchers looked at the records of 366,937 men who had sex with men (MSM) in the United States. They discovered that those who were on PrEP were 29% less likely to contract HIV than those who had neither circumcision nor HIV medication.
In another study, researchers looked at data from 10,001 HIV-negative individuals who had sex with an HIV-positive partner. They were divided into four groups: One group took a placebo pill and one group took either of the other three pills daily. The results showed that those who took the medication were 61% less likely to contract HIV than those who took a placebo pill. What’s more, participants who took the medication for the longest duration experienced the most significant reduction in infection rates. While the studies described above are noteworthy, it is always important to do your own research before committing to any medication or treatment plan.
Who Should Try It?
Based on the studies presented above, it is clear that PrEP is an effective way of preventing HIV infection. However, before recommending this medication to someone, one must first consider a few things. First, one must determine whether or not the patient is really at risk for contracting HIV. In addition to testing positive for HIV antibodies, one must also have a history of contracting the virus or use drugs/intravenous liquids that put them at risk. Finally, it is essential to determine whether or not the patient is really willing to take the medication and follow-up with testing.
If you are at risk for contracting HIV, then there is no question that you should try PrEP. There are however, various things that you need to consider before starting this medication. One of the most important factors is to ensure that you follow the proper instructions and take the medication as prescribed by your doctor. Also, it is a good idea to educate yourself on HIV and how it is transmitted so that you have a basic understanding of what is happening.
In conclusion, while there are still many unknowns regarding the use of PrEP, it is evident that it is a medication that can help reduce the risk of HIV infection in certain situations. As a result, it is important to research the risks and benefits before deciding to take it or not.