PrEP / PEP
PrEP and PEP programs are designed to prevent HIV infection before or after potential exposure. These treatments are tailored to each individual’s risk profile, promoting both health and peace of mind while ensuring patient safety and adherence.
🩺 Initiation of PrEP and PEP
For new patients, those who wish to receive PrEP or PEP are required to undergo initial blood tests and a consultation with a physician. This ensures that the use of the medication is safe and appropriate. Only after this process can the medication be prescribed.
What is PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)?
PrEP is the use of antiretroviral medication in advance to prevent HIV infection for people who are not infected but are at high risk, such as those who:
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Have multiple sexual partners
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Do not consistently use condoms
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Have an HIV-positive partner
🩺 PrEP Usage Options
Daily PrEP
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Take one pill daily at the same time every day.
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It is recommended to start at least 7 days before a potential risk exposure to achieve maximum effectiveness.
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If you continue to be at risk, take the medication daily without interruption.
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If you wish to stop, continue taking it for 7 days after the last risk exposure.
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Before starting PrEP, the physician will check HIV status, kidney and liver function, and hepatitis B virus.
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Generally, the medication is prescribed for a 3-month supply, with periodic follow-ups for HIV testing, sexually transmitted infections, and kidney function monitoring.
On-Demand PrEP (2-1-1 Regimen)
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Take 2 pills 2–24 hours before a potential risk exposure.
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Continue with 1 pill daily for the following 2 days.
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Example: If there is a risk on Monday night:
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Take 2 pills on Monday morning.
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Take 1 pill on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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If the risk continues over multiple days, continue taking 1 pill daily until 2 days after the last risk exposure, then stop.
What is PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)?
PEP is an emergency HIV prevention medication used after a potential exposure to HIV, such as contact with virus-containing bodily fluids.
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It must be started within 72 hours after the exposure.
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Continue taking the medication for 30 days.
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Starting as soon as possible increases the likelihood of preventing HIV infection.
Initial Blood Tests for PrEP and PEP
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Before starting PrEP or PEP, the physician will recommend the following blood tests:
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HIV Ag/Ab
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Anti-TP (Syphilis)
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Anti-HCV (Hepatitis C virus)
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HBsAg (Hepatitis B virus)
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Anti-HBs
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ALT (SGPT)
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Creatinine / eGFR
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Note: Today’s blood tests are for preliminary screening purposes only.
Test Results and Recommended Follow-Up Testing
If you have engaged in high-risk behaviors in the past few weeks, especially within the last month, some infections may not yet be detectable, as your body may not have produced antibodies or the viral load may still be too low.
Recommended follow-up testing intervals:
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1 month after the exposure
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3 months after the exposure
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6 months after the exposure