What are the side effects of taking PrEP?

PrEP is the abbreviated name for pre-exposure prophylaxis. This is a medication prescribed for individuals at risk of contracting HIV. This pharmaceutical is a preventative agent against HIV, whether through a threat of unprotected sex or injection drug use. A few medications are available for use, but all require a prescription. STI testing is needed, including an HIV test, before an individual is eligible to take this drug.

Is PrEP Safe to Use?

PrEP is considered a safe medication, although a few individuals may experience side effects. Most side effects are temporary and go away with time. The most reported side effects include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, headache, and fatigue. Always tell your health care provider if these side effects continue or become severe.

Understanding the Medications

PrEP medications are once-daily pills administered to adults and adolescents at risk of HIV. Some drugs are not intended for people assigned female at birth, as the effectiveness hasn't been studied. Individuals must be HIV-negative while taking this medication while submitting STI panels throughout the year. A few pharmaceuticals are intended to protect against HIV in individuals weighing at least 77 pounds. Both genders may use this medication as antiviral therapy.

Risks of Using this Medication

If deciding to take PrEP, always have a doctor assess your risk factors for the medication against the chances of contracting HIV. This medication must be taken exactly as prescribed to protect against HIV. Before starting a new intimate relationship, talk to your partners about their HIV status. If your partner lives with HIV and regularly takes their treatment, your chance of getting HIV is considerably lower.

The province has many clinics willing to prescribe PrEP in Alberta. These clinics include sexual health clinics, walk-in or urgent care, emergency rooms, or primary care physicians) or online facilities to help you get started. Before taking this drug, write down any questions you may have for the doctor.

Potentially Serious Side Effects

Rarely severe side effects have occurred while taking this medication. Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice any of these side effects. The worsening of hepatitis B infection is possible. Your provider will test you for hepatitis infections but starting PrEP medications and stopping may worsen these infections. Never stop your medication without talking to your physician first.

Other potentially serious side effects include too much lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis). This condition is a severe but rare medical emergency that can become fatal. Immediately contact your doctor if you suddenly feel shortness of breath, stomach pain with nausea, extreme fatigue, unusual muscle pain, or an abnormal heartbeat. When in doubt, check with your doctor to be sure.

Kidney problems can occur. Your doctor will continuously monitor your kidney function while taking this medication. Severe liver issues may flare up while taking this drug. Contact your physician if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or light-colored stools.

PrEP is a Safe Preventative Medication

Using PrEP will considerably lessen the chance of becoming HIV positive. This drug's benefits outweigh the minimal probability of severe side effects through close monitoring and supervision. Always talk to your doctor about your health before starting or stopping a new medication.