PrEP HIV and AIDS prevention is an HIV prevention drug that was developed to help reduce the risk of HIV infection for those who are not yet infected with HIV but are at high risk due to certain behaviors or situations, such as unprotected sex or injection drug use. PrEP has become an important tool in the current era where the spread of sexually transmitted diseases continues to increase. Although there are already many methods of prevention, PrEP adds a highly effective layer of protection for those who want more confidence and safety.

PrEP HIV and AIDS prevention

What is PrEP HIV and AIDS prevention?

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an antiretroviral drug formula designed for people who are not yet infected with HIV but are at high risk of contracting HIV. This drug has the ability to prevent HIV from entering white blood cells and multiplying in the body. If taken continuously and as recommended by a doctor, PrEP can significantly reduce the chances of contracting HIV.

Effectiveness of PrEP HIV and AIDS prevention

  • Prevents HIV infection from sexual intercourse. If PrEP is taken continuously every day before exposure, the chances of contracting HIV from sexual intercourse can be reduced by more than 90%.
  • Prevents HIV infection from injecting drug use. For those who inject drugs, PrEP can reduce the risk by up to 70%.
  • Limitations of PrEP It cannot prevent other sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis or gonorrhea. And the effectiveness of PrEP will be reduced if the drug is not taken continuously.
ใครบ้าง ที่ควรใช้ยาเพร็พ?

Who should take PrEP HIV and AIDS prevention?

PrEP is suitable for people who are not yet infected with HIV but are at high risk, such as:

  • People who have multiple partners or change partners frequently
  • People who have anal sex, which is at higher risk than vaginal sex
  • People who inject drugs and share needles
  • People who know their partners are HIV-infected
  • Women who are planning to get pregnant but still have a lifestyle that puts them at risk of getting HIV

Why take PrEP?

In Thailand, especially in Bangkok, there were reports of 77,034 people living with HIV in 2018, and 2,086 new infections. This number reflects that there are still many people living with HIV who do not know that they are infected with HIV, which means that the chance of infection still exists every day.

Sex is a natural and normal part of human life. Everyone is at different levels of risk of contracting HIV. This risk depends on each person’s behavior and lifestyle, such as having multiple partners, having sex without using condoms, or using injecting drugs.

For those with a lifestyle that is at high risk of contracting HIV, using PrEP is an important tool to significantly reduce the chance of contracting HIV. PrEP is a highly effective antiretroviral drug. If used correctly and continuously according to a doctor’s advice, this drug can help you stay safe from HIV infection and live your life with more confidence.

Therefore, if you have behaviors or situations that may put you at risk of contracting HIV, taking PrEP correctly will definitely reduce the risk and increase your safety.

ยาเพร็พแตกต่างจากยาเป๊ป อย่างไร

How is PrEP different from PEP?

  • PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a preventive measure for people who are not yet infected with HIV but are at high risk.
  • PrEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a drug used in emergencies after a risk, such as unprotected sex or injection. PEP must be started within 72 hours of the incident and continued for 28 days.
  • Main differences
    • PrEP prevents before exposure
    • PEP is used in emergencies.

Steps to start PrEP

  • Preliminary health check-up Before starting PrEP, the user must undergo a blood test to confirm HIV status, which is negative, as well as a general health check-up and screening for other sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Receiving medication The doctor will prescribe PrEP for a period of no more than 3 months. The user must return for a health check-up and a blood test before receiving the next dose.
  • How to take it For PrEP to be most effective, it should be taken at the same time every day and should be started at least 7 days before the risk.
  • Follow-up results Should have a blood test and health as strictly prescribed by the doctor

Price of PrEP and access

  • Price of PrEP
    • Price of PrEP (30 pills) is between 1,000 – 3,200 baht
    • The cost of a health check and initial blood test is approximately 2,000 baht
  • Access
    • PrEP can be received at a hospital that provides HIV care, and must receive advice from a doctor.
ข้อควร รู้เกี่ยวกับยาเพร็พ

Things to Know About PrEP

What are the side effects of PrEP? Is it safe?

PrEP is very safe for HIV prevention. In general, the side effects that occur during the initial stages of PrEP include nausea, dizziness, and slight fatigue. These symptoms usually occur initially and will improve on their own within about a week. Using PrEP under the supervision of a doctor will reduce the risk of serious side effects, allowing users to be confident in the safety of the drug.

How long should PrEP be taken and how should it be taken?

  • To start taking PrEP, PrEP should be started at least 7 days before a risk of catching HIV, so that the drug level is high enough to prevent infection.
  • Continuing to take PrEP for maximum effectiveness: Take the drug continuously at the same time every day. HIV can be stopped 4 weeks after the last risk.

Do I have to take PrEP for the rest of my life?

PrEP does not have to be taken for the rest of my life. Taking PrEP depends on the time or situation where there is a risk of catching HIV. Users can stop taking it if they are not at risk, and can start taking it again if the situation changes.

Can I use PrEP without condoms if I take PrEP?

Although PrEP effectively reduces the chance of getting HIV, it does not protect against other STDs such as syphilis, gonorrhea, or other STDs. Therefore, using condoms with PrEP will help increase protection and reduce the risk of various diseases.

PrEP is not a vaccine.

PrEP is not a vaccine that stimulates the body’s immune system. It is an antiviral drug that must be taken every day to prevent HIV, similar to birth control pills that require a constant level of medication in the body for maximum effectiveness.

Can PrEP be used if planning to get pregnant?

PrEP is safe for women who plan to become pregnant. PrEP does not affect pregnancy or the health of the fetus. Women who want to reduce their risk of HIV and still want to have children can confidently take PrEP under the care of a doctor.

หากลืมทานยาเพร็พทำอย่างไร

What to do if you forget to take PrEP?

  • Missing a pill If you miss a pill but it is within 6 hours of the time you should take it, take it as soon as you remember.
  • Missed by more than 6 hours If you miss by more than 6 hours, skip that pill and take the next pill at the normal time.
  • Missed for more than 7 days If you miss a pill for more than 7 days, you must start taking it again. You must take the pill continuously for at least 7 days before the next risk.
  • Caution: Taking PrEP irregularly will reduce its effectiveness in preventing HIV. Therefore, condoms should always be used.

Receiving PrEP HIV and AIDS prevention at Phuket Medical Clinic, Laguna Branch

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an antiviral drug that effectively reduces the risk of HIV infection. It is suitable for people at high risk. They must take the pill continuously for maximum effectiveness.

Phuket Medical Clinic, Laguna Branch is ready to provide a full range of PrEP services with a team of expert doctors and modern medical equipment to ensure your health and receive appropriate care from diagnosis and risk assessment. To the dispensing of medication and follow-up

Why take PrEP at Phuket Medical Clinic, Laguna Branch?

  • Consultation by a specialist doctor and advice on taking medication that suits your lifestyle
  • Screening for sexually transmitted diseases before starting PrEP for maximum safety
  • Standard, safe medication certified by the World Health Organization
  • Personal care, confident in the privacy of service recipients’ information

Start protecting yourself from HIV today. Contact Phuket Medical Clinic, Laguna Branch for consultation and PrEP medication conveniently and safely.

Read more articles

Contact Channels

Laguna Branch

  • Phuket Medical Clinic, Laguna Branch is located at 58/1, Cherngtalay Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket Province 83100
  • Open every day, Monday – Sunday, 09.00 – 22.00 hrs.
  • Inquire via Line id. @pmcphuket (with @)
  • Contact number 096 236 2449
  • Clinic map https://maps.app.goo.gl/SXaeLrSU9Lx47YPH6
  • Book an appointment online https://pmclaguna.youcanbook.me

Branch in the city

Boat Lagoon Branch

  • Phuket Medical Clinic Boat Lagoon Branch is located at 20/96. Moo 2, Thepkrasattri Rd., Koh Kaew Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket Province 83000
  • Open every day, Monday – Sunday, 10.00 – 18.00 hrs.
  • Inquire via Line ID. @pmcphuket (with @)
  • Contact number 096 696 2449
  • Clinic map https://maps.app.goo.gl/HbqfUKMEHXuKwan96
  • Book an appointment online https://pmctown.youcanbook.me

PrEP HIV and AIDS prevention is a medical innovation that effectively reduces the risk of HIV infection. It is suitable for people who are at high risk in their daily lives. However, the best prevention is still the use of condoms along with regular sexual health check-ups for confidence and safety in every relationship. Choosing to use PrEP along with taking good care of your health will help you have a safe and worry-free quality of life!

Reference

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). PrEP Overview. Comprehensive details on PrEP use, effectiveness, and guidelines. [ออนไลน์] เข้าถึงได้จาก: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prep.html
  • World Health Organization (WHO). Consolidated guidelines on HIV prevention and treatment. [ออนไลน์] เข้าถึงได้จาก: https://www.who.int
  • กระทรวงสาธารณสุขแห่งประเทศไทย. เว็บไซต์: กรมควบคุมโรค กระทรวงสาธารณสุข. ข้อมูลเกี่ยวกับ PrEP และการป้องกันการติดเชื้อเอชไอวีในประเทศไทย.
  • สถาบันบำราศนราดูร. ข้อมูลการรักษาและป้องกันการติดเชื้อเอชไอวี. [ออนไลน์] เข้าถึงได้จาก: https://www.bamras.org
  • มูลนิธิเอดส์แห่งประเทศไทย (Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre). รายละเอียดการใช้ PrEP และการเข้าถึงยาในประเทศไทย. [ออนไลน์] เข้าถึงได้จาก: https://www.trcarc.org