About PrEP (Pre Exposure Prophylaxis)

Pre- Exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP, is the use of preventive measures, taken before a person is exposed to an agent that can cause infection, to reduce the likelihood of infection.

Some medications that are used to treat certain diseases are also successfully used to prevent certain infections. This is chemoprophylaxis.

Some medications have been used for prevention of malaria, tuberculosis disease, and maternal-to-child HIV transmission.

PrEP for HIV prevention involves the administration of regular dosing of doses of antiviral agents among individuals with recurring exposures. The administration of regular dosing allows that drug levels are present in the body at the time of exposure, and does not require that individuals identify the risk of every contact.

PrEP clinical trials seek to confirm the safety of PrEP, and to determine if PrEP adds substantial additional protective benefit to those who also receive counseling, condoms, and STI care.

Inclusion of diverse populations in PrEP research has brought into prominence the social challenges that underlie the current fight against HIV/AIDS.