PrEP Reduces Risk of Getting HIV

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective for preventing HIV. PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and from injecting drugs by at least 74% when taken as prescribed. PrEP is for people who don’t have HIV and are at risk of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. Truvada and Descovy are the two pills approved for use as PrEP. Cabotegravir (CAB) 600 mg (brand name Apretude) is the only approved injectable PrEP. See the Figure below. CAB is a single antiretroviral drug given as an intramuscular injection every two months to prevent HIV. Injectable PrEP with CAB is highly effective at protecting patients from HIV and is for adults and adolescents who weigh at least 77 pounds (35 kg) and are at risk of getting HIV through sex. CAB injections may be a good option for PrEP for people who have problems taking oral PrEP as prescribed, prefer getting a shot every two months instead of taking oral PrEP, and have serious kidney disease that prevents the use of oral PrEP medications. See the Figure below. Protect yourself from HIV. IPH is located at 9053 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Call 313-309-9350 ext. 2 for more information on HIV testing, PrEP, PEP, and treatment.