Oral Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is antiretroviral medicine taken by HIV negative individuals to prevent getting HIV. PrEP comes as a tablet which must be taken once-per-day, ideally at the same time every day. PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV when taken as prescribed.
Learn more about PrEP:
If you are HIV negative, you should consider taking oral PrEP under any of the following circumstances
PrEP stops the virus multiplying in your body. If you are exposed to HIV, e.g. during sex but you have been taking PrEP correctly, there will be enough levels of the drug in your body to prevent you from getting HIV infection. PrEP helps build a protective layer around your body cells and stops the virus from establishing itself in your body.
If used consistently, PrEP can reduce the risk of HIV infection by about 99%. However, because it does not protect against other STI’s or unplanned pregnancy, it should always be used with other preventive measures such as condoms.
The side effects may include headache, weight loss, nausea, vomiting and abdominal discomfort. These side effects often reduce or stop after a few days of taking PrEP. Should these persist, please contact your service provider.
MYDAWA is taking part in a study which enables us to offer PrEP for free thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation! However, before you start on PrEP you will have to take a blood based HIVST. All MYDAWA’s blood based HIVST cost KES 250 plus delivery charges of KES 99 in Nairobi County. Click here to buy your blood based HIVST.
PrEP is available from MYDAWA. You can start accessing PrEP by booking a free consultation with one of MYDAWA’s Clinical Officers. This is a completely non-judgmental, private and confidential service. Or if you have already taken a Mylan or Sure Check HIVST – upload an image of your HIVST result here to get started! PrEP is also available at government health facilities, select private health facilities, and drop-in centers.
