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Pre-exposure Prophylaxis

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, usually shortened to PrEP, is a daily antiretroviral regimen for people who do not have HIV but are at substantial risk of acquiring it. Consistent use reduces the chance of HIV transmission through sex by around 99%. The regimen combines two antiretroviral medicines in one tablet.

Medicine used to treat Pre-exposure Prophylaxis

Tenofovir + Emtricitabine

Tenofovir, Emtricitabine

300/200mg

Tenofovir and emtricitabine are combined in a tablet for HIV infection and pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is supplied in a single strength; pack sizes vary. Each option lists its price per tablet.

FromUS$1.84/ tabletView

Key points

  • The tablet contains tenofovir and emtricitabine, which interfere with reverse transcriptase, the enzyme HIV relies on for replication inside cells.
  • The medicines are already present in body tissues when exposure happens, so the virus cannot establish an infection.
  • A confirmed negative HIV test is required before starting, and further negative results are needed to continue.

How PrEP works

Tenofovir and emtricitabine are taken together once a day. Both block the reverse transcriptase enzyme that HIV needs in order to copy itself inside human cells. Having the drugs in the body before contact with the virus is what prevents infection from taking hold.

Who it is for

PrEP is indicated for HIV-negative adults in higher-risk groups. These include people who inject drugs, serodiscordant couples where one partner has HIV, and men who have sex with men. Starting requires a confirmed negative HIV test.

Using it alongside other care

PrEP belongs within a wider approach to HIV management. It is typically used with condom use, screening for other sexually transmitted infections, and HIV testing every three months.

The tablet supplied

Tenofovir + Emtricitabine 300/200mg tablets carry both ingredients in a single daily dose. Pharmacy partners in India ship orders to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

Further reading

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