PrEP

What is PrEP?

PrEP– Pre-exposure prophylaxis is a method of HIV/AIDS prevention. By taking 1 pill daily, PrEP will reduce the chance of HIV infection by 99%. PrEP includes a medication for HIV/AIDS that has been used by thousands of people over the years. The safety of PrEP medicine is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

PrEP involves daily administration of one pill of the medication TRUVADA (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate).

TRUVADA’s mechanism of action involves creating a special protective layer for the human immune cells. As a result of this process, even in case of the HIV virus ending up in a human body, a person is safe from being infected. PrEP is practically a new layer of protection, an additional weapon in fighting against HIV/AIDS.

Pre Exposition prophylactics in men, who have sex with men” – is a project developed and conducted by Equality Movement and Scientific-Practical Center for the Infectious Pathology, AIDS and the Clinical Immunology. The goal of the project is to provide PrEP for the representatives of the risk group and to reduce the cases of HIV infection.

A consult with a physician, periodic medical monitoring and the medication TRUVADA is free for the individuals enrolled in the PrEP program.

What is PrEP on Demand?

PrEP on Demand is a method of taking PrEP medication, which, in contrast to daily intake, includes taking PrEP before and after sex. Research has shown that this method of taking PrEP is just as effective during anal sex, as daily PrEP.

On-demand means taking 2 pills no later than 2 hours prior to a sexual act (Ideally 24 hours prior), taking 1 pill in the next 24 hours and taking another pill within following 24 hours.

For who is PrEP On Demand recommended?

This method of PrEP is recommended only for gay, bisexual men and all men who have sex with men and have a high risk of HIV infection through unprotected anal intercourse. PrEP on Demand is not recommended for those who only have vaginal sex or who use injection drugs.

Why is On Demand not recommended for those who have unprotected vaginal sex or who use injection drugs?

According to international guidelines, PrEP On Demand is not recommended for those who have unprotected vaginal sex or who use injection, because:

Tenofovir (One of the medicines used for PrEP in combination with Emtricitabine (TDF/FTC)) hardly reaches the required level of protection in vaginal tissues. It is easily activated in the rectal tissue and provides maximum protection in a short amount of time.

2-1-1 Medicine intake

This method is also called 2 – 1 – 1, medication intake chart looks like this:

2 pills	24 hours prior
1 pill	After 24 hours
1 pill	After 24 hours

When should I start?

The method is mostly designed for those who plan to have risky behavior in the next 24 hours. For example, if they’re going to a meeting, to a nightclub, everywhere where they think they will have a risky behavior.

What if I often have prolonged risky behavior, for example, during a whole weekend?

In this case you should continue taking 1 pill every 24 hours.

What if I forget and miss a dose?

It is best to take the medication at the same hour of the day as long as our risky behavior continues. It’s unacceptable to miss a dose of medication, since the previous dose will not stay active.

PrEP is not intended for those who have chronic or sever Hepatitis B, since the medicine used for PrEP is also used for the treatment of Hepatitis B. In this case, a priority is not prevention, but treatment.

Is PrEP for you?

Inclusion in the PrEP program is voluntary. It is an opportunity to make your sex life safer and monitor your sexual health and well-being.

PrEP is intended for HIV-negative people who are at high risk of contracting HIV.

How should I tell that I have risk behavior?

You are considered to have high risk behavior if you have met one of the following criteria in the last 6 months:

Having a permanent HIV-positive partner who has not been treated, nor has achieved viral suppression;
Engaging in commercial sex work;
Having a practice of injecting drugs;
Having a history of risky sexual behavior under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol;
Having or having had any sexually transmitted disease;
Having 5 or more sexual partners;
Not using a condom during sex while being on the receiving, as well as the giving end.
Using the post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for prevention in the past.

Visit the link to fill out a risk assessment questionnaire

Does it have side effects?

Many people who are currently taking PrEP say that they have not experienced any side effects. However, just like any other medication, PrEP also has side effects that may not even occur.

Short-term side effects: About 10% of people who take PrEP develop diarrhea, headaches, nausea, etc. However, they usually disappear within 2-3 weeks.

Long-term side effects: Very few people who take the drug may experience changes in renal function.

The PrEP program includes regular medical supervision and necessary tests to prevent and manage these side effects.

Should I use condoms if I am taking PrEP?

PrEP provides maximum protection against HIV/AIDS, though it does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (E.g. syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and hepatitis), therefore, using a condom is still necessary.

How can I enroll in the program?

To join the program, you must visit Equality Movement office, where you will complete a risk assessment questionnaire and take a rapid HIV test. If you meet the criteria. After that you will be able to get PrEP.
Online booking

How much does it cost to enroll in the program?

Regular medical consultations, tests and PrEP medication are completely free.

Is PrEP program confidential?

Yes, the program is completely confidential and anonymous. You will not be required to submit any identification documents to enroll in the program. Instead we use 15-digit codes that make it impossible to identify individuals.

Equality Movement and AIDS Center staff involved in the PrEP program offer high quality services adjusted to your needs.