HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective way to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV, but it requires consistent adherence to be effective. Some people find it difficult to adhere to a daily pill regimen, which has led to the development of event-based PrEP. This approach involves taking PrEP before and after sexual activity, rather than on a daily basis. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of event-based PrEP, how it works, and who might benefit from this approach.
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What is event-based PrEP?
Event-based PrEP, also known as “on-demand” PrEP or “2-1-1” PrEP, involves taking PrEP before and after a sexual encounter rather than on a daily basis. The approach typically involves taking two pills of Truvada (TDF/FTC) between 2 and 24 hours before sex, followed by one pill 24 hours after the initial dose, and another pill 24 hours after that. This regimen provides a high level of protection against HIV, but only if taken correctly.
The event-based PrEP approach is based on the results of a French study called IPERGAY, which showed that taking PrEP in this way reduced the risk of HIV transmission by up to 86%. The study focused on men who have sex with men (MSM) and was conducted between 2012 and 2014.
Who might benefit from event-based PrEP?
Event-based PrEP is an alternative to daily PrEP for people who have infrequent sexual encounters or who find it difficult to adhere to a daily pill regimen. It may be a good option for people who engage in sex less frequently than once a week or for those who have unpredictable sexual encounters.
In addition, event-based PrEP may be a good option for people who experience side effects from daily PrEP. While PrEP is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience gastrointestinal side effects, headaches, or fatigue, among other symptoms. Taking PrEP only before and after a sexual encounter may help reduce the frequency and severity of these side effects.
It is important to note that event-based PrEP is not recommended for people who engage in frequent sexual activity or who have ongoing, consistent exposure to HIV. In these cases, daily PrEP is still the recommended approach.
How effective is event-based PrEP?
Event-based PrEP has been shown to be highly effective when taken as directed. The IPERGAY study showed an 86% reduction in HIV transmission among MSM who took PrEP before and after sexual activity.
Another study called the ANRS-Prévenir study, which included both MSM and heterosexual couples, showed that event-based PrEP was 97% effective in preventing HIV transmission when taken correctly.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of event-based PrEP depends on adherence. If the regimen is not followed correctly, the level of protection against HIV may be reduced.
How to use event-based PrEP
If you and your healthcare provider have determined that event-based PrEP is right for you, it is important to understand how to use it correctly. Here are the steps to follow:
- Take two pills of Truvada between 2 and 24 hours before sexual activity.
- Take one pill of Truvada 24 hours after the initial dose.
- Take another pill of Truvada 24 hours after the second dose.
It is important to note that event-based PrEP should not be used for more than one sexual encounter per day, and it should not be used as a regular method of HIV prevention. If you engage in frequent sexual activity or have ongoing, consistent exposure to HIV, daily PrEP is still the recommended approach. Whether you go for daily dosing or event-based PrEP, refer this article before buying PrEP online.