What is PrEP?

PrEP stands for “Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis”, meaning it is a tool to stop infection (“prophylaxis”) that is taken before you are exposed to HIV.

Current clinical guidelines for PrEP recommend daily use of the medication Truvada for maximum HIV prevention benefits.

PrEP is endorsed by the World Health Organization for people who are HIV negative and at risk for becoming positive. It has been shown to be as high as 99% effective at reducing risk for HIV when taken every day (without missing a dose)¹.

PrEP works by disrupting HIV and preventing it from establishing a foothold in the body and causing a systemic infection.

PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, and it is not a cure for HIV.

PrEP vs. Truvada

PrEP is an acronym that describes the overall prevention method (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). It isn't a new concept. Many other drugs are also taken prior to infection to prevent illness (e.g. Malaria medications before going travelling).

Truvada is the brand name for an antiviral pill that contains two medications, Emtricitabine (FTC) and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF). Currently, Truvada is the only recommended and approved medication to be used as PrEP, although generic versions of the drug available outside of North America that contain both FTC and TDF have also been shown to be equally as effective.