PrEP (HIV prophylaxis)

With this protection method, HIV-negative people take HIV medication to protect themselves from contracting HIV. PrEP protects against HIV infection as well as condoms if it is used correctly.

 Photo: © Artur – stock.adobe.com
 

• What is PrEP?

• How does PrEP work?

• Who is PrEP recommended for?

• How is PrEP taken?

• How do I get the PrEP?

• What test results do I need to bring with me to the first prescription?

• How do I get the test results for the first prescription?

• How often do I have to be checked? Do I have to come by personally for this?

• What should I do if I experience genital burning, itching, rash or discharge?

• What distinguishes 'Medizin am Hauptbahnhof' in relation to PrEP?

What is PrEP?
 

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a preventive drug measure to protect against HIV infection in HIV-negative people. BEFORE possible contact with HIV, a special combination of active ingredients is taken to avoid HIV infection. PrEP protects against HIV infection just as well as the condom if it is taken correctly. However, it does NOT offer protection against other STDs.

How does PrEP work
 

PrEP contains 2 well-tolerated active ingredients that are intended to protect against HIV infection. When taken correctly, these two substances accumulate in the mucous membrane cells of the vagina, penis and intestines. If there is then contact with HI viruses, they cannot multiply there. This prevents HIV infection.

Who is PrEP recommended for?

PrEP is recommended for people aged 16 and over with an increased risk of HIV. These include:

- Men who have sex with men (MSM) and trans* people who have had bareback anal intercourse in the past three to six months and/or expect to have bareback anal intercourse in the next few months.
- MSM and trans* people who have had an STD in the last 12 months.
- Partners of people living with HIV who are not taking HIV therapy, whose HIV therapy has not reduced their viral load below the detection limit, or whose HIV therapy has not been effective for at least six months.
- People who have sex without a condom with people who are likely to have undiagnosed HIV infection.
- Drug injectors who do not use sterile injection equipment.

How is PrEP taken?

A distinction is made between a daily and a needs-based intake scheme. With "daily PrEP", one tablet is taken once a day at the same time of day (a reliable protective effect against HIV is achieved here, depending on gender and sexual practice, no later than 1 week after the start of administration).

With "on demand PrEP", 2 tablets are taken 24 to 2 hours at the latest before possible HIV contact. Then continue to take 1 tablet daily at the same time of day or continue taking it for two days after the last sex and then discontinue it.

How do I get the PrEP?


PrEP is prescribed by a doctor who is familiar with this therapy. Before prescribing, a blood test must be used to clarify whether PrEP can be prescribed.
 

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What test results do I need to bring with me to the first prescription?
 

Before the first prescription, a current blood test and swab test for sexually transmitted diseases (not older than 2 weeks) is required. In this way, it can be ensured before the start of PrEP that the body tolerates the tablets well and that no sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea or syphilis are transmitted in future sexual contacts.

How do I get the test results for the first prescription?
 

According to the PrEP guidelines, a current test for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, gonorrhea, mycoplasma genitalium and chlamydia is necessary before starting therapy. We also need your current blood count, kidney, electrolyte and liver values.

If you do not have a current test, please contact our reception team at kontakt@derma-wien.at to issue a laboratory referal for the blood values. The swab examinations are carried out directly in the ordination at the first appointment. If you are not already a patient at our practice, we need your name, address, date of birth, social security name, and social security number.

Blood can also be taken during the initial examination. However, it takes a few days before the laboratory values ​​are available and the prescription can be issued.

How often do I have to be checked? Do I have to come by personally for this?
 

The first check in the practice takes place 1 month after the start of the PrEP. It is not necessary to bring current blood results and swab tests with you. These are taken directly in our practice at the check-up appointment and forwarded to the laboratory.

If the values ​​of the blood and swab tests are normal, further checks can take place every 3 months. We will forward this laboratory findings to you electronically  and will contact you by phone in the event of any abnormalities.

If you have special risk factors, a shorter interval than every 3 months can make sense. We are always at your disposal should you need us.

What should I do if I experience genital burning, itching, rash or discharge?
 

There are several sexually transmitted diseases, so-called STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), which are quite common. Some of these are highly contagious, some are noticeable immediately, others remain symptom-free for the time being. These STDs are often curable with antibiotic therapy. All dermatologists in our practice are experts in venereal diseases and are available to you as competent contact persons in the course of routine examinations in relation to PrEP, as well as in the event of an emergency.

What distinguishes 'medicine at the main station' in relation to PrEP?
 

"Medizin am Hauptbahnhof" in Vienna offers the opportunity to have the necessary examinations carried out at the beginning as well as during the course exclusively on site. Supervision is provided by Dr. Florian Bodner and other experienced specialists in our practice, who have years of routine in the diagnosis and therapy of skin and venereal diseases. The friendly, trusting and impartial atmosphere offers space for open discussions, private matters and important questions. Sexuality should be fun, while at the same time the associated risks should be reduced.

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