Tips for PrEP users - What else do you need to know about PrEP?
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Learn how to use PrEP safely with essential tips and FAQs about HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.
Tips for PrEP Users: What You Need to Know About HIV PrEP
If you’ve been prescribed PrEP, here are some important things to know. You need to use PrEP as prescribed for it to be effective. Understanding PrEP can help you use it effectively. This information doesn’t replace your PrEP provider, so if you have specific medical concerns, be sure to consult your doctor. If you’re interested in starting PrEP or have other sexual health questions, book an appointment and talk to us.
Pre-PrEP checklist: How can I get PrEP at PULSE Clinic?
- If, do you have health check-up results?
- If you already have a prescription for PrEP, you can show us your prescription and buy the medication.
- If not, do you have health check-up results from the last 3 months?
- If you already have one, you can get a 12-month supply at PULSE.
- If you do not have recent health check-up results, you can get tested at PULSE and receive a 12-month supply of PrEP.
- You can also get fewer than 12 bottles and have the rest delivered to your door.
For more information about getting HIV treatment at PULSE Clinic, contact us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or chat with us via one of the following platforms:
+66 65 237 1936 
@PULSEClinic 
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HIV PrEP Medication Instructions: Safe Storage and Usage Tips
- Store your Truvada bottle at room temperature. Avoid leaving it in a hot car or refrigerator.
- Never share your PrEP with others. While it may seem helpful, PrEP is not safe for everyone and should only be used as prescribed.
- Regular check-ins with your PrEP provider are essential for safe and effective use.
How Safe and Effective is PrEP for HIV Prevention?
PrEP is an highly effective option for HIV prevention when used properly. Skipping doses or not taking PrEP regularly reduces its ability to protect you. When taken daily, PrEP can provide about 99% protection from HIV. The first PrEP medication, Truvada, was approved by the FDA in 2012, followed by Descovy in 2019.
Some people may experience mild side effects like nausea, stomach upset, and dizziness. These usually go away over time and not life-threatening. PrEP is safe for long term use. Even after taking PrEP for 5 years, there have been no serious health problems linked to it.
However, if you have any kidney or bone issues, be sure to inform your doctor before starting PrEP medication. There are some links between the older formula of PrEP, such as Truvada, and kidney or bone problems. You may want to consider switching to a newer medication like Descovy, as the risk of kidney and bone issues is much lower compared to the older formula.
Do I Still Need to Use Condoms While Taking PrEP?
PrEP can help prevent HIV, but it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections like syphilis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea, so using condoms is still necessary. Additionally, PrEP does not prevent pregnancy.
While taking PrEP, it’s important to see your doctor every 3 months for an HIV test and ongoing care.
PrEP and STI Protection
PrEP does not protect against other STIs other than HIV: While PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV, it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.
- Use Condoms with PrEP for Full Protection: Combining PrEP with condoms provides protection against both HIV and most STIs, ensuring greater overall safety.
- Get Tested Periodically for STIs: If you’re taking PrEP, it’s important to get tested regularly for STIs. Early diagnosis and treatment not only protect your health but also help prevent passing STIs to your partners.
- Use DoxyPEP for a Second Layer of Protection: DoxyPEP is another option for STI prevention, which involves taking an antibiotic called doxycycline right after potential exposure. This method can reduce the risk of STI infection by two-thirds compared to people not using it.
How To Take PrEP: Daily Dosage
- Each bottle of Truvada contains 30 pills, intended for 30 consecutive days of PrEP.
- Dosage: Take 1 pill daily. Do not exceed this dosage, as taking more than 1 pill per day may be harmful.
- Alcohol & Food: It’s safe to take Truvada whether you drink alcohol, use drugs, or with or without food.
- Protection Timing: For those engaging in anal sex, it takes 7 days of daily PrEP use to reach effective HIV prevention levels.
- For vaginal sex, 30 days are needed for optimal protection.
- Tips for Remembering Your Dose:
- Place your Truvada bottle somewhere visible, like by your toothbrush or in the kitchen.
- Take your pill at a set time tied to daily habits, such as with breakfast or when brushing your teeth.
- Carry an extra pill in case you’re away from home or stay over elsewhere at your regular dosing time.
How To Take PrEP: 2-1-1 On Demand PrEP
- Use Only Truvada for 2-1-1 Dosing: This dosing method has been studied only with Truvada. Do not use 2-1-1 with Descovy until more research is available.
- Dosage Instructions:
- Take two pills at least two hours before sex.
- Take one pill 24 hours later.
- Take another pill 24 hours after that.
- If you’re engaging in sex over an extended period, continue taking one pill every 24 hours until you go two consecutive days without sex.
- Important Note: The 2-1-1 method is recommended only for those engaging in anal sex, not for vaginal or front hole sex.
- Consistency Matters: Avoid adjusting this dosing based on assumptions about your partner’s HIV status, as this can lead to inaccuracies.
Potential Side Effects of HIV PrEP and How to Manage Them
- Common Side Effects: Some people experience mild side effects when starting PrEP, which typically go away within the first month. Common symptoms include gas, bloating, softer or more frequent stools, and nausea.
- Tips for Reducing Stomach-Related Side Effects:
- Take your PrEP pill with food.
- Consider taking your pill at night before going to sleep.
- Need Help? If you’re experiencing side effects and receive PrEP from our clinic, contact us—we’re here to support you.
How to Talk to Others About Your HIV Prevention Plan
- Sharing with Friends and Family: Some people find it helpful to share that they are taking PrEP with friends or family. It’s important to choose those who will be supportive of your decision.
- Your Personal Choice: Taking PrEP is a personal decision, and you should never feel pressured to disclose your use to others if you’re not comfortable doing so.
Stopping PrEP
- Your Choice to Stop PrEP: You can choose to stop taking PrEP at any time. However, it’s important to consult your doctor or the clinic that prescribed your PrEP before making this decision.
- Steps to Take Before Stopping:
- Continue taking PrEP for 1 month after your last potential exposure to HIV.
- Get tested for HIV 4 weeks after stopping PrEP to ensure your continued health.
- Consult with Your Healthcare Provider: Your doctor or our PrEP staff can provide additional guidance and support when you decide to stop PrEP.
Pausing and Restarting PrEP
- Before Restarting PrEP: If you've stopped taking PrEP and are ready to resume your daily regimen, make sure to get an HIV test before restarting.
- Why an HIV Test is Crucial: If you may have been exposed to HIV—even if you're unaware—it’s important to get tested before restarting PrEP. Taking PrEP while HIV-positive can lead to medication resistance, making PrEP less effective and potentially harmful.
- Restarting After a Break: If you've paused PrEP for more than 7 days, contact us or your healthcare provider for guidance on how to safely restart the medication.
- HIV Test Required: If you were prescribed PrEP but didn’t begin within 7 days and engaged in sex during that time, you’ll need another HIV test before starting your medication.
- Report Symptoms: If you experience flu-like symptoms or rashes, report them to your healthcare provider or our staff, as they could be signs of early HIV infection.
Switching PrEP Brands: Can You Change from One Brand to Another?
- Can I Switch PrEP Brands? Yes, there are several brands of the original PrEP medication, including Truvada, Ricovir-EM, Teno-EM, Tenof-EM, and Tanvin-EM. These brands contain the same active ingredients and work in the same way, so they can be used interchangeably.
- Why Switch PrEP Brands? Switching to a different PrEP brand may be an option if you're looking to lower the cost of your medication, especially if you're paying out of pocket. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance on the best option for you.
Truvada® Goes Generic: Generic PrEP Options
- Big News: Truvada® is Now Generic: As of September 30, 2020, Truvada® became available in a generic form, called emtricitabine 200mg/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300mg (FTC200/TDF300). This generic version offers the same protection against HIV as the original brand-name Truvada®.
- Switching Between PrEP Medications: The latest PrEP version (2019) is Descovy, with generic alternatives like TAFicita and TAFERO-EM. These can be used interchangeably just like Truvada’s generics, providing flexibility in your medication choice.
- Cost Considerations: In many countries, Descovy is now more affordable, so it may still be the preferred option. However, if cost is a concern, switching to generic options like FTC200/TDF300 could help reduce expenses.
Combining PrEP with Other HIV Prevention Strategies for Maximizing Protection
- PrEP and Additional Protection: While PrEP is highly effective in preventing HIV, it is not 100% foolproof and does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To maximize your protection, combine PrEP with other prevention methods like using condoms, applying lube, and getting regularly tested for STIs.
- PrEP Protection Timeline: It takes about 1 week of continuous PrEP dosing to reach full protection from HIV with Truvada.
Health Monitoring While on PrEP: Why Regular Check-Ups Are Important
- Importance of Regular Visits: Regular check-ups with your PrEP provider are essential for ensuring the ongoing effectiveness of your HIV prevention plan.
- Lab Tests Every 3 Months: At PULSE, we recommend lab tests every 3 months after you start taking PrEP to monitor your health and ensure you're protected.
- Testing Every 6 Months: While some individuals may get tested every 6 months, it’s crucial to get tested regularly, especially if you live in large cities and are sexually active, where the risk of contracting STDs (bacterial or viral) can be higher.
PrEP Questions and Concerns: Contact PULSE for Support and Guidance
- Have Questions About Your PrEP Prescription? If you’ve been prescribed PrEP at PULSE, feel free to call us at (+66) 95 915 6385 for any questions or concerns about your medication. If you're running low on pills before your next visit, we’re here to help.
- Emergency Situations: In case of an emergency, please go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately.
Additional Resources
PrEP FAQ | Getting PrEP at PULSE CLINIC | Tips for PrEP Users | How to take PrEP
Buy PrEP Online | Truvada | Teno-Em Thai PrEP | PrEP Drug Monitor
- sfcityclinic.org/services/prep.asp
- prepfacts.org
- cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prep.html
- projectinform.org/prep/
Content on this page was adapted from San Francisco City Clinic.
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Where Can I Get PrEP?
1. GETTING PrEP ONLINE
Get PrEP Refills Easily with PULSE Clinic: Protect Yourself from HIV Today
- Helping People Access PrEP Since 2015: At PULSE Clinic, we’ve been making it easier for individuals worldwide to access PrEP and protect themselves from HIV since 2015. Thousands of people are now living HIV-free, and new infections are on the decline.
- Join the Movement to End HIV: Let’s live without worries and work together to end HIV. A new chapter of your life starts now with PULSE Clinic’s PrEP online services.
- Start Your Journey: Click the photo below to access our PrEP online client portal and begin your journey toward HIV prevention today.
We provide quick and easy medication refills for PrEP, whether you started PrEP with PULSE or elsewhere. For more information about the medication and ordering process, please email pulseliving@pulse-clinic.com or chat with us on your preferred platform.
+66-84-226-2569 @pulserx PulseClinic
BUY PrEP ONLINE ORDER FORM
2. GETTING PrEP AT PULSE CLINICS
PULSE Clinic also provides in-person HIV tests and PrEP dispensing. Simply book an appointment or contact our team for more information about getting PrEP at the clinic. You can either book a consultation with one of our doctors or schedule a PULSExpress appointment, which allows you to get tested quickly without seeing a doctor.
For more information about getting HIV treatment at PULSE Clinic, contact us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or chat with us via one of the following platforms:
I have my prescription and I want to order now, TAKE ME THERE !
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