Top 20 Mistakes to Avoid with PrEP – Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Dos and Don’ts

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective way to prevent HIV transmission. However, there are some common mistakes that people make with PrEP that can reduce its effectiveness.

In this blog post, we will discuss the top 20 mistakes to avoid with PrEP, so you can ensure that you are getting the most out of this valuable HIV prevention tool.

Not taking PrEP consistently

1. PrEP must be taken consistently to be effective. Missing even a few doses can significantly reduce its effectiveness.
   

Not starting PrEP early enough

2. PrEP must be taken for a period of time before it reaches its maximum effectiveness. It is important to start PrEP early enough to ensure that it is effective.
   

Not getting regular HIV and STI testing

3. PrEP is not a replacement for regular HIV and STI testing. It is important to get tested regularly to ensure that you are not infected with HIV or other STIs.
   

Not taking PrEP as prescribed

4. It is important to take PrEP exactly as prescribed. Taking too much or too little can reduce its effectiveness.
   

Not disclosing PrEP use to sexual partners

5. It is important to disclose PrEP use to sexual partners to ensure that they are aware of the level of protection provided.
   

Not using condoms with PrEP

6. PrEP does not protect against other STIs. It is important to use condoms in addition to PrEP to protect against other STIs.
   

Not taking PrEP at the same time every day

7. It is important to take PrEP at the same time every day to ensure that it is effective.
   

Not informing healthcare providers of PrEP use

8. It is important to inform healthcare providers of PrEP use to ensure that they are aware of potential drug interactions.
   

Not knowing the potential side effects of PrEP

9. It is important to know the potential side effects of PrEP to ensure that they are recognized and addressed if they occur.
   

Not knowing how to get PrEP

10. It is important to know how to get PrEP and to have access to a healthcare provider who can prescribe it.
    

Not knowing how to pay for PrEP

11. PrEP can be expensive, but there are resources available to help with the cost. It is important to know how to pay for PrEP.
    

Not knowing how to store PrEP

12. PrEP must be stored properly to ensure its effectiveness. It is important to know how to store PrEP.
    

Not knowing how to dispose of unused PrEP

13. Unused PrEP must be disposed of properly to ensure that it does not end up in the wrong hands.
    

Not knowing the potential risks and benefits of PrEP

14. It is important to know the potential risks and benefits of PrEP to make an informed decision about its use.
    

Not knowing the potential drug interactions with PrEP

15. It is important to know the potential drug interactions with PrEP to ensure that other medications do not reduce their effectiveness.
    

Not knowing when to stop taking PrEP

16. It is important to know when to stop taking PrEP, such as when the risk of HIV transmission is reduced or if side effects become severe.
    

Not knowing how to handle missed doses of PrEP

17. It is important to know how to handle missed doses of PrEP to ensure that its effectiveness is not reduced.
    

Not knowing how to get support for PrEP use

18. It is important to have support for PrEP use, such as from a healthcare provider, support group, or peer group.
    

Not knowing how to talk about PrEP with sexual partners

19. It is important to know how to talk about PrEP with sexual partners to ensure that they understand its role in preventing HIV transmission.

Not knowing how to advocate for PrEP access

20. It is important to advocate for access to PrEP, particularly for those who may face barriers to access, such as stigma, cost, or lack of healthcare coverage.

In conclusion, PrEP is a highly effective way to prevent HIV transmission, but it is important to avoid common mistakes that can reduce its effectiveness. By following these top 20 mistakes to avoid with PrEP, you can ensure that you are getting the most out of this valuable HIV prevention tool.

And remember, if you have any questions or concerns about PrEP, don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider or a PrEP specialist. PrEP is a powerful tool, and by using it effectively, we can make significant progress toward ending the HIV epidemic.