HIV PrEP Benefit

HaloCare’s HIV Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) management programme

PrEP for HIV involves the use of antiretroviral (ARV) medications to prevent HIV infection.  PrEP may be used during periods of perceived high risk of HIV acquisition. PrEP is recommended for use intermittently, as may be required and not life long as with HIV positive patients.

 PrEP is indicated for:

• HIV-negative men who have sexual intercourse with men (MSM).
• Transgender persons.
• Heterosexual men and women (including adolescents).
• Persons who inject drugs (PWID), who are assessed to be at high risk for HIV acquisition.
• Sero-discordant couples (where one partner is HIV positive and the other partner HIV negative).
• Persons who are unwilling or unable to consistently use male or female condoms.

Contra-indications:

• PrEP is not recommended for persons under the age of 15 or under 35kg.
• A person who has had possible exposure to the HI virus (HIV) or is possibly in the window period of infection.
• Persons with renal dysfunction.

PrEP beneficiaries will require the following before authorisation of PrEP:

• Pre- initiation counselling.
• HIV Eliza and other baseline tests.
• Full clinical examination to be done by the treating doctor.
• A complete clinical history to be taken. Inform your doctor of any other chronic or acute condition that you may have.

PrEP Treatment

Current guidelines recommend Truvada (Tenofovir 200mg + Emtricitabine 300mg), once daily.

On-going Management:

• Always use PrEP in combination with other preventative measures.
• Monitoring tests at three months and completion of course.
• Annual HIV Eliza test.