PrEP is a method of HIV prevention that consists in taking antiretroviral drugs by he althy people who are at high risk of infection. In Poland, PrEP is already available, although its price is still quite high, and the costs of the treatment must be borne by the patient. Who is PrEP intended for, what is the therapy like and what are the side effects?

PrEPstands forPre-exposure Prophylaxis , which ispre-exposure prophylaxisaimed at protection against HIV infection. PrEP is the use of antiretroviral drugs (includingTruvada ) by seronegative people who are more exposed to the virus than others, for example through having sex with multiple partners.

In other words, as part of PrEP, a he althy patient takes HIV medication prophylactically so that he does not become infected when exposed to the virus.

Who is PrEP for?

Pre-exposure prophylaxis as a method of HIV prevention is recommended for people who are particularly vulnerable to infection. These include people who have sex with multiple partners, often engage in risky sexual behavior (e.g., intercourse without a condom, intoxicating substances), or whose partner is HIV-positive, has not received antiretroviral treatment, or is under treatment.

Check also: CHEMSEX - what is it and what are its dangers?

In this context, mainly men who have sex with men (MSM) are mentioned, although this type of treatment can also be used by bi- or heterosexual people. PrEP is also a therapy suitable for people in relationships, one of which is HIV positive and who are trying to conceive together (which excludes the use of condoms).

How effective is PrEP?

Studies in the MSM group showed that people who took PrEP medications regularly had 72% less (in some cases, up to 92%) of HIV infection compared to the placebo group.

In heterosexual people in relationships where one of the parties was HIV-positive, the risk of transmitting the virus to a partner decreased by 75% compared to the placebo group (in the case of people who declared taking all doses of the drug, it was90%).

What does PrEP look like?

Tests before PrEP

A patient who would like to enter PrEP should first perform a package of necessary medical tests, i.e.

  • blood test for HIV,
  • blood count,
  • creatinine level test,
  • general urine test,
  • tests for other sexually transmitted diseases (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis),
  • tests for HCV (hepatitis C), HB-s (hepatitis B), HB-s antigen,
  • liver tests (ALAT, AST).

With the results package ready, you should go to the selected medical facility that offers the possibility of joining the PrEP (list of facilities further in this article). One month before visiting a doctor, remember not to engage in risky sexual behavior.

Drug dosage

After approval for PrEP therapy, the doctor prescribes a drug containing two active substances: tenofovir disoproxil and emtricitabine. They interfere with the action of an enzyme necessary for HIV to multiply, thus preventing the development of infection.

The drug is used daily at a dose of 1 tablet a day. Always take it at the same time and do not reduce or increase the prescribed dose, as this may reduce its effectiveness.

It is also possible to use an emergency treatment regimen: 2 tablets 2-12 hours before intercourse and one tablet 24 hours and 48 hours after intercourse. This dosing offers the same protection as if you continue to take your medicine at the same time each day. However, it is recommended only to those who plan sexual intercourse in advance and there are no more than a few of them per month (you can take a maximum of 7 tablets per week).

Medical checks

During therapy, the patient must be under constant medical supervision and regularly tested for HIV. Visits every 3 months are recommended. Due to the side effects of PrEP, liver and kidney function should be constantly monitored.

Where to go for help

PrEP in Poland

The following facilities offer the possibility of using PrEP:

Gdańsk, PrEP Center

ul. Grunwaldzka 549/1

www.centrumprep.pl

Szczecin, Gumieńce Medical Center

ul. Kazimierska 4/2

www.cmg.szczecin.pl

Warszawa, Makeitisi - Smart life clinic

ul. Filtrowa 62, lok. 62a

www.makeitisi.com

Warszawa, Poradnia Specjalistyczna Chmielna Express

Chmielna 4 street

www.chmielna4.pl

Wrocław, Preventive and Treatment Clinic

ul. All Saints 2, entrance A

www.podwale-siedem.pl

Can you avoid using condoms while using PrEP?

Experts emphasize that although PrEP is highly effective in preventing HIV, people using itshould not give up condoms . Firstly, because PrEP drugs are not 100% effective, and secondly, they do not protect against other sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.

PrEP side effects

Drugs used under PrEP are not indifferent to he alth. Side effects are most often felt in the first weeks of therapy. These include:

  • nausea,
  • diarrhea,
  • loss of appetite,
  • headaches.

The above symptoms usually disappear within one month of starting treatment. There may also be long-term side effects, such as decreased bone density and kidney failure.

Worth knowing

PrEP price in Poland

PrEP in Poland is not reimbursed, therefore all costs related to the therapy are borne by the patient. This includes not only the price of the drug, but also the cost of medical appointments and preventive examinations.

The monthly price of PrEP with Truvada (30 tablets) is about PLN 4,000, however, generic drugs (substitutes for the original drug with the same active substance) are entering the market, which are several times cheaper. Therapy with them usually costs several hundred zlotys a month.

How long should I use PrEP?

There are no official recommendations on how long you should use PrEP. Pre-exposure prophylaxis is indicated when the patient is particularly exposed to HIV infection. Therefore, PrEP can be dispensed with if the risk of infection decreases (e.g. due to having sexual contact with only one partner who is certain that he or she is not HIV positive and does not engage in behaviors that increase the risk of infection).

Category:

Intimate diseases