View source for Pre-exposure prophylaxis

== Pre-exposure prophylaxis ==

'''Pre-exposure prophylaxis''' ('''PrEP''') (/priːˈɛks.pəʊ.ˈθɛr.ə.pi/), is a medical strategy that involves the use of [[antiretroviral drugs]] to prevent [[HIV]] infection. The term is derived from the English words 'pre' meaning before, 'exposure' referring to coming into contact with the virus, and 'prophylaxis' from the Greek 'prophylaktikos' meaning guarding or preventing in advance.

== Usage ==

PrEP is used by individuals who are at high risk of contracting HIV, such as [[sexually active]] adults, [[intravenous drug users]], and [[serodiscordant couples]] (where one partner is HIV positive and the other is not). It is typically administered in the form of a daily pill, such as [[Truvada]] or [[Descovy]], which contain two types of antiretroviral drugs.

== Effectiveness ==

When taken consistently, PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection by up to 92%. It is most effective when combined with other prevention methods, such as [[condom use]] and regular [[HIV testing]].

== Side Effects ==

Common side effects of PrEP include [[nausea]], [[headache]], and [[weight loss]]. In rare cases, it can cause serious health issues such as [[kidney damage]] and [[bone density loss]].

== See Also ==

* [[Post-exposure prophylaxis]]
* [[HIV/AIDS]]
* [[Antiretroviral therapy]]

== References ==

<references />

[[Category:Medical terminology]]
[[Category:HIV/AIDS]]
[[Category:Pharmacology]]
[[Category:Preventive healthcare]]

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