What is PrEP Truvada used for?

Truvada is one of several medications that are currently used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus infection. Truvada is now being used to prevent HIV infection. When you take Truvada to prevent HIV infection, doctors refer to this use as “pre-exposure prophylaxis” or “PrEP”.

What does Truvada do to your body?

Truvada works by blocking an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which HIV uses to copy its genetic material and reproduce. In addition to suppressing HIV in people who have already been infected, Truvada can also prevent the virus from infecting people in the first place.

How long does it take for Truvada to work?

For those engaging in anal sex, it takes a week of of continuously taking PrEP before there is enough medication in your body to decrease your chance of getting HIV. For those engaging in vaginal or front hole sex, it takes 30 days before there is enough medication in your body.

Will Truvada make me fat?

Some drugs used to treat HIV have been found to cause changes in body mass, including body fat. Some of these drugs have also been found to affect lipids (certain types of fat in your body), such as cholesterol. However, a study found that Truvada doesn’t seem to cause changes in body fat or lipids.

Can I drink alcohol while on PrEP?

Alcohol and recreational drugs are not known to interact with PrEP medications. It is safe to take PrEP before, after and on days when you are “partying.” In fact, it is important to take extra steps to make sure you take PrEP according to the healthcare provider’s directions when you are “partying.”

Do both guys need to be on PrEP?

PrEP ‘Not for Everyone’ Men who never have anal sex probably don’t need PrEP, he said. Those who rarely have it and are always consistent and correct condom users may not need it either. But those who frequently engage in anal sex and do not use condoms, especially receptive partners, should strongly consider PrEP.

Does PrEP change your body?

In addition to the common side effects during the start-up period, some patients taking Truvada for PrEP had additional side effects. The most common side effects of Truvada were headaches (7%), stomach pain (4%), and weight loss (3%). One significant side effect of Truvada is its effect on kidney function and health.

Does Truvada cause hair loss?

Can Truvada Cause Hair Loss? Some HIV medications may be linked to hair loss. For example, indinavir and lamivudine are two drugs with reports of hair loss. However, there have been no clinical trials or postmarketing reports that link Truvada to hair loss.