Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis also known as PrEP is medicine that reduces your chances of contracting HIV from sex or injection drug use. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV.
The 2022 figures from Stats SA, states that the total number of people living with HIV countrywide is estimated at approximately 8,45 million.
With the number of those infected with HIV so high, the use of PrEP is important as it is a combination of anti-HIV medication that keeps HIV-negative people from getting HIV. It is however mportant to note that PrEP only protects against HIV infection, not against pregnancy or other Sexually Transmitted Infections.
PrEp can be taken orally as pills or through injection shots. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention further gives more information on the PrEP pills.
- Truvada pill – is for people at risk through sex or injection drug use.
- Descovy pill – is for people at risk through sex. Descovy is not for people assigned female at birth who are at risk for HIV through receptive vaginal sex
The only approved PrEP injection shot is Apretude, it is however according to the centres for diseases control and prevention, the only shot approved for use. Apretude is for people at risk through sex, weighing in the region of 77 pounds (35 kg).
PrEP is very safe to use, but just like any form of treatment it may have side effects. Its side effects include, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, and stomach pain. These are said not to stay for long.
PrEP is available and accessible from all primary health care facilities and hospitals in most provinces.
Also see: World Health Organization reinforces mental health issues at work
