PrEP is a highly effective HIV prevention strategy1
What is PrEP?
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.1
It is a medication routinely taken before potential exposure to HIV to reduce someone’s chances of acquiring it.1
Discussions about PrEP are a crucial part of comprehensive sexual health and HIV prevention strategies, alongside other measures like condom use and regular testing.1
As HIV continues to be an important aspect of public health, PrEP can help individuals stay HIV negative.2
PrEP is:
- For individuals who are sexually active and HIV negative, including men, transgender men,* women,* pregnant women,* transgender women, and nonbinary individuals1
- For individuals who are at increased risk, including those who ask for it3
- Appropriate for long-term use, as indicated4
- Approved by the FDA as either an oral pill or an injectable1
*Not all PrEP medications can be used in cisgender women or transgender men.1
PrEP is not:
- A prevention method for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)1
- Used as secondary prevention (eg, if a condom breaks)5
- PEP (postexposure prophylaxis), which is an emergency medication used within 72 hours after possible HIV exposure and given for a 28-day course3
- For individuals who are living with HIV1
Test your PrEP and HIV prevention knowledge.
How effective is PrEP?
Correct!Incorrect.PrEP is ~99% effective at preventing HIV through sex, when taken as prescribed.
Condoms have been shown to be 70% (men who have sex with men) and 80% (heterosexual couples) effective at preventing HIV.
Correct!Incorrect.Condoms have been shown to be 70% (men who have sex with men) and 80% (heterosexual couples) effective at preventing HIV.6
How is PrEP different from PEP?
Correct!Incorrect.PrEP is a medication routinely taken before potential exposure to HIV to reduce someone's chances of acquiring it.1
PrEP can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber.
Correct!Incorrect.Any licensed prescriber can prescribe PrEP.1
Thank you for completing the quiz.
Explore the effectiveness of PrEP and its real-world impact.
References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HIV Nexus: CDC resources for clinicians. Updated August 20, 2024. Accessed September 4, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/hivnexus/hcp/prep/index.html
2. Bosh KA, Hall HI, Eastham L, Daskalakis DC, Mermin HJ. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR): Estimated annual number of HIV infections—United States, 1981-2019. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published June 4, 2021. Accessed September 12, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/pdfs/mm7022a1-H.pdf
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. US Public Health Service: Preexposure prophylaxis for the prevention of HIV infection in the United States—2021 Update: a clinical practice guideline. Accessed September 12, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/risk/prep/cdc-hiv-prep-guidelines-2021.pdf
4. Hojilla JC, Hurley LB, Marcus JL, et al. Characterization of HIV preexposure prophylaxis use behaviors and HIV incidence among US adults in an integrated health care system. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(8):e2122692. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.22692
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing HIV with PEP. Published January 25, 2024. Accessed September 13, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/prevention/pep.html
6. Smith DK, Herbst JH, Zhang X, Rose CE. Condom effectiveness for HIV prevention by consistency of use among men who have sex with men in the United States. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2015;68(3):337-344.