What is the difference between PrEP and PEP? Who should take it?

With the advances in medical technology that have made us familiar with PrEP and PEP, but how are they different and who is they suitable for? The author will take you to get to know two drugs that you should know to reduce the rate of infection. HIV

PrEP, PrEP, take before risking infection

People who are infected with HIV most often get infected by people who don't know they have the infection. Therefore, it is passed on through unprotected sex or false protection. PrEP is a drug for people at risk of HIV infection, but it should not be seen as the first method of prevention. It should be viewed as just one part of effective prevention. When taking PrEP, you should use condoms every time.

PrEP (PrEP; Pre Exposure Prophylaxis) is an antiretroviral medicine that can prevent HIV infection in people who are not infected. People at high risk should eat regularly to reduce the risk of HIV infection. Suitable for people who know their sexual partners are HIV positive, people who have parties and lifestyles that put them at risk of infection. Those who frequently change sexual partners People who use certain groups of drugs Including those who do sex work.

Taking PrEP for maximum efficiencyYou should eat continuously for at least 7 days before there is a risk of contracting HIV and eat regularly every day. If you stop eating, stop after 1 month of the last risk. PrEP can only prevent infection from sexual intercourse by 90%. In the case of people who use injectable drugs, the risk can be reduced by up to 70%. But still cannot prevent 100% and cannot prevent other sexually transmitted infections. such as gonorrhea, syphilis, chancroid, herpes, genital warts, etc.

PEP, Pep, taken after risking exposure

Currently, people who face the risk of HIV infection can consult a doctor to receive “PEP” (PEP). In Increasing your chances after facing the risk of HIV infection when taking the medicine as scheduled can reduce the risk of infection. 80%

Pep (PEP; Post Exposure Prophylaxis) is an antiviral drug used in cases of unprotected sex. Or the condom used has torn. Should be used only in emergencies.It must be eaten within 72 hours, but in practice it should be eaten as soon as possible. This must be taken for approximately 28 days in a row . The drug formula will be both once a day and twice a day and must be tested for HIV after completing the mustache. And the test should be repeated after 3 months and 6 months.

Taking Pep cannot prevent infection. 100% This is because the factors that affect infection after receiving PEP in each person are different, such as the source of HIV, the amount of viral load, etc. In addition, the consistency in taking medicine. The strength of the patient also affects the chance of being infected or not. HIV

The most important thing is After discovering that you are at risk for HIV infection, you should consult your doctor to assess your risk as soon as possible. However, takingPepills cannot reduce the risk of HIV infection, but it is necessary to reduce risky sexual behavior. Don't let temporary fun ruin your future. For those who regularly engage in high-risk behavior, it is best to have regular blood tests and choose PrEP instead of PEP.

Caution

• During the first period of taking the medicine, there are often short-term side effects. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and fatigue, but these symptoms usually improve after taking the medicine for about 1 week.
• When taking PrEP medicine continuously, it may affect kidney function. You should get your kidney function checked regularly every 3-4 months
• in case you forget to take medicine. or not eating on time Can be no more than 6 hours apart. When you remember, eat immediately. But if you forget for more than 7 days, start counting at 1 again.

Experience from someone who has taken Pep and PrEP

Emotions and feelings are often beyond reason and control. Many times passion and lust are the reason why many people feel stressed out just because of a single word. “...Can I have some fresh…” A sentence that rings in your ear, coupled with a surge of emotion. It's the reason why many people just give in.

Unprotected sex brings only temporary happiness. But what follows, no one knows until they sit back and review the story again when they are conscious... temporary fun for a few minutes. With the things that have to be exchanged, is it worth it or not?

After making a mistake What you need to do is not worry, stress, or suffer, but you should find a way to solve the problem. and learn from such events The first thing that must be done after facing a risk is to “be conscious” so that “wisdom” will arise.

“...I learned about this medicine from a friend. I eat it because it's risky. From a fun-loving personality Change sleeping partners frequently And this time I happened to miss someone who used drugs. So my friend advised me to consult a doctor. And please request Pep medicine as a precaution..." Peach The fictitious name  recounts her direct experience of taking Pep pills a long time ago: “...When I found out that what I was doing was risky, I was very worried. But I consulted a close friend and got advice to go get checked. When I was in front of the clinic, I only thought about what if I was embarrassed. We will not be safe, we can do whatever we want, but we must not be sick. At that moment, I shook off my embarrassment. I just want to keep myself safe first..." 

Oat, fictitious name.Telling about the decision to take PrEP: Having sex with an HIV-infected boyfriend Even though I always wear a condom. But I want to find a way to increase protection. Because you will feel at ease if something goes wrong. and allows us to be fully engaged in sexual intercourse.

“...In addition, in the present era Casual sex is normal. But I know my face, I don't know my heart. Knowing how to prevent it first is the best thing..."

Dr. Watchara Phum Pradit Director of Bangkok Health Hub said “ ...I want to look at blood testing for HIV as being like testing for diabetes. If the blood test results are positive, treatment will be given quickly. But if it's negative, you'll be able to discuss taking PrEP..."

A moment of fun may affect your future. Don't let emotions override reason. Because it may bring about dangers that we are not aware of. Regular blood tests and wearing condoms every time you have sex will help prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

Summary

However, if you take PrEP, you must still wear a condom every time. As for those who take Pep pills after being at risk, they should change their behavior. and protect every time But if you are at high risk, you should consult your doctor about taking PrEP to reduce the risk of HIV infection. In addition, at present, various foundations There is a drive to encourage Thai people to contact and receive PrEP medicine for free. For those who wish to see a doctor for consultation, they can contact the anonymous clinic or search for information on the internet to request the services of a hospital near their home.

Illustrations from the internet
Some information from ADAM's Love website
Interview by Dr. Watchara Phumpradit, Director of Bangkok Health Hub
Khun Oat, fictitious name, who takes PrEP, and Ms. Peach, fictitious name. People who have taken PEP

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