Good news for all of us! PrEP is now accessible at Angsamerah Clinic! As exciting as it seems, there are some important information we should know before accessing PrEP.
What is PrEP?
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medical intervention which has been scientifically proved able to create a high level of protection against HIV infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the effectivity of PrEP against HIV infection can reach 90% if taken daily. However, consuming PrEP inconsistently may result in decreased effectivity as well. PrEP has to be taken under the supervision of an experienced sexual health and HIV care provider.
PrEP vs PEP
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis which should be taken before getting exposed to HIV infection risks. On the other hand, PEP stands for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis which should be taken after getting exposed to HIV infection risks.
Do I need PrEP?
PrEP is suitable for those who frequently have risky sexual behaviour and/or injecting practice. PrEP is considered eligible for an HIV negative person who:
- Have an HIV positive sexual/injecting partner who has not been treated with ARV or has been treated but the viral load is still detected.
- Have multiple sexual/injecting partners.
- Inconsistently wearing condom while having sex.
- Work as a sex worker.
- Have risky injecting practice (sharing needles).
- Got infected with Sexual Transmitted Infection(s) in the last 3 months.
- Lives in an HIV endemic or epidemic area.
For those who are inconsistent in using condom but rarely have sex, the doctor can prescribe them with ‘PrEP on demand’. For more information about this, please consult with our doctors.
Procedures before taking PrEP
- Consultation with Angsamerah doctors (important).
- HIV test.
- Kidney function test.
- Check cross-reactions between drugs.
- STIs screening including Hepatitis B and C.
- Pregnancy test for women and transmen.
Important note:
There has not been any policy about PrEP in Indonesia yet. Therefore, Angsamerah cannot provide PrEP physically but through prescription.
This prescription will then be uploaded by the client to this online PrEP website (this is a legal institution which provides PrEP):
After the prescription is verified, the client then can proceed to payment. In most countries, including Indonesia, PrEP can only be prescribed for up to 3 months. After the payment process finalized, PrEP Online will send PrEP to the buyer’s address.
Is PrEP safe to be taken daily?
Every medicine has potential side effects. Few people complained of nauseous after taking PrEP. However, there has not been any serious or life-threatening side effect reported from consuming PrEP regularly.
Can I not use condom anymore while being on PrEP?
We suggest you to still wear condom while having sex despite being on PrEP. PrEP cannot prevent you from getting infected by other STIs such as Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and many more.
Do I need to see a doctor regularly after taking PrEP?
Yes. People on PrEP should get a regular check-up every 3 months to check about drug effects, STIs screening, kidney function and many more.