Our best ability is availability
PEP, PreP, and PrEP 2-1-1
Written by Janna Mustafina MSN, FNP-C
September 3rd, 2020
At eCareNow we offer services for HIV prophylaxis. In other words, you can request a prescription from our provider(s) for HIV prophylaxis. PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. We prescribe an FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved antiviral agent Descovy. Descovy is a combination of two medications: Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate (TAF) and Emtricitabine. Patients will take 1 tablet once a day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
1. I want to start PrEP to prevent HIV but I do not know if it is for me. Who is PrEP for?
First, you must be HIV negative in order to be eligible for PrEP. PrEP is for prevention purposes only. Second, you must be at risk for HIV based on your sexual life history. Statistically, some populations bear a heavy burden for the largest numbers of HIV infections. To get an idea if you are at high risk for HIV infection review those population groups:
-
Gay or bisexual men of all races and ethnicities.
-
African Americans and/or Latinos
-
Latinos
-
Men who have sex with men (MSM).
-
Injection drug users
-
Transgender infdividuals
If you relate to any of the above categories please contact us to discuss PrEP regimen.
2. How can I get medication for HIV prophylaxis?
To request a prescription for Descovy, you will need to schedule a Telehealth appointment with our provider.
After full evaluation of your past medical history we will prescribe you the medication that you can fill in your pharmacy of choice. Please be advised, we strictly follow CDC guidelines and it is recommended to have full STD check and routine blood work to evaluate your kidneys and liver functions for safe prescribing. The process is very simple and our patients are satisfied with the fast and easy services prior to starting Truvada.
3. Do I have to take Descovy every day for PrEP 2-1-1?
It’s a good question and it depends on a couple of factors. Based on evidences, PrEP strategy works for anal sex only. It does not show to be effective for vaginal sex or oral sex.
PrEP on demand schedule:
-
1st dose - Take 2 tab 2-24 hours prior anal sex
-
2nd dose - Take 1 tab 24 hours after anal sex
-
3rd dose - Take 1 tab 24 hours after 2nd dose.
If you practice mixed type of sex such as anal, vaginal, or oral - you will need to take Truvada daily.
4. What are the side effects of Descovy?
Most medications can cause “start-up” side effects. Descovy’s most common side effects are gastrointestinal distress such as belly pain, nausea, diarrhea. Those side effects are usually mild and go away as your body adjusts to it. Descovy should be taking with cautious by patients with kidney disease, therefore, the blood work prior and during PrEP therapy is important to monitor kidney functions to prevent kidneys toxicity.
5. Is PrEP lifelong regimen?
No, You can stop taking Descovy if your sexual life has changed and you do not think you are at high risk for HIV infection any longer. If you want to stop Descovy for HIV prevention, please discuss with your health care provider to establish a plan.
6. I have no health insurance, is Descovy affordable?
Truvada is an expensive medication. Most insurances cover it without significant co-pay or no co-pay at all. However, there are also great patient assistance programs for those who have no insurance. Please speak to your provider about those options.
7. What else should I be aware of?
Please note the PrEP program is for HIV prevention only. It does not protect you from other STDs such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis. Using condoms is important to protect yourself from those other than HIV STDs while on PrEP.
Reference links:
1. Patient handout about PrEP 2-1-1
2. What is PrEP (Basic information from CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/library/factsheets/prep101-consumer-info.pdf
The article above serves for informative purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.