Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis [PrEP] is a type of antiretroviral therapy medication that can be used to prevent HIV infection if you have a partner living with HIV or if you are engaging in sexual activity that puts you at risk of contracting HIV.
Research has shown that PrEP, when used correctly, is very effective in preventing HIV. Currently, the HIV prevention program in Sri Lanka provides PrEP using the combination pill of of two drugs – Tenofovir DF and Emtricitabine.
How it works – It takes approximately 72 hours for HIV to replicate throughout the body, PrEP prevents HIV from replicating initially and so prevents the successful transmission of HIV.
Although PrEP prevents HIV infection, it does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, even if you do take PrEP, remember that the condom is the only prophylactic that prevents super gonorrhea.
Who needs PrEP?
Doctors at the National STD/AIDS Control Programme [NSACP] Centres decide whether you need PrEP. The following are some of the criteria that are considered.
1. Men who have sex with men (MSM)
2. Transgender women.
3. Having had unprotected (condomless) anal sex with a male partner in the past 3 months.
4. Having contracted a sexually transmitted infection in the past 6 months.
5. Using psychoactive drugs – e.g. ICE, ketamine, ganja before and during sexual intercourse.
6. Having a sexual partner who is living with HIV.
If you are a person under 18 years of age who needs PrEP, talk to your doctor about taking a PrEP combination that does not have an adverse effect on bone development.
What should I do before starting PrEP?
It is important to have the following tests before starting PrEP. These tests are provided free of charge and are available at Ministry of Health clinics across the country.
1. HIV rapid test and routine ELISA test
2. Kidney function: Urine protein test/UFR
3. Kidney function: Blood creatinine and eGFR test
4. Hepatitis B and C: Blood tests
5. Sexually transmitted infections
6. Gonorrhea culture test
7. Chlamydia test
8. Syphilis test
To register for PrEP, call the Ministry of Health PrEP hotline 0716379192 / 0112667163 or visit www.know4sure.lk
Adherence and Antiretroviral Therapy [ART]
As with other forms of ART adherence to your treatment regimen is vital. If you do not take PrEP as prescribed you won’t get the protection you expect from PrEP. For example, if you take PrEP injections, you need to attend clinic on the on the scheduled date to ensure continued protection, and if you take PrEP in pill form, esnure you follow the pill regimen.