Whether you’re straight, gay, bi, or anywhere in between, HIV prevention is important for everyone. It’s totally normal to have questions about HIV and its prevention. Terms like PrEP, Truvada, viral loads, Descovy, and more can make it hard to keep things straight (no pun intended!). Education is one of the best ways to fight the stigma against HIV, so we’ve put together a rundown of what Truvada is, how it works, and everything you need to know to stay safe.
Understanding Truvada and Its Role in HIV Prevention
Like Descovy, Truvada is a once-a-day pill that addresses the spread of HIV.
What Is Truvada Used For?
Truvada has two primary uses. Most commonly, it prevents HIV from multiplying within the body. It can also be used in combination with other medicines to treat HIV-1 infection. Importantly, while Truvada and similar medicines address the spread of HIV, they do not impact other sexually transmitted infections.
How Truvada Works to Prevent HIV
Truvada is made up of two antiretroviral drugs: emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. To infect cells, HIV creates a specific enzyme. The two antivirals in Truvada work to stop that enzyme in its tracks, preventing it from replicating and continuing to infect the body.
You can use it in two ways: to prevent HIV infection in the first place and to prevent it from replicating within the body.
A Simple Explanation of Truvada
Truvada is a way to stop infection from taking hold in the first place. When used to treat HIV, it reduces the amount of the virus—or “viral load”—within your blood. A lower viral load means less chance of transmitting HIV.
Truvada also bolsters your body’s ability to fight off other infections.
Is Truvada PrEP or PEP?
Both! That might be confusing, but on its own, Truvada is a form of PrEP. It can also be used with other medications as part of PEP.
What’s the Difference Between PrEP and PEP?
An extra letter can make a big difference, and that holds true with PrEP and PEP. PrEP is short for “pre-exposure prophylaxis.” It’s used to prevent HIV from infecting the body even if it enters via sexual activity. Some PrEP medicines are injectables you take less frequently, while PrEP like Truvada should be taken daily. Either way, you need to continue taking it to keep yourself protected. Like condoms, PrEP won’t do anything for you if you’re not using it!
PEP sounds pretty similar: “post-exposure prophylaxis.” It refers to addressing HIV infection after you’ve been exposed to the virus. More specifically, it’s a 28-day course of medicines you take if you believe you’ve been exposed to HIV. Timing is every bit as important; you need to begin PEP within 72 hours of potential exposure.
PrEP is intended for consistent usage, whereas PEP is more of a “break glass in case of emergency” situation.
Who Can Take Truvada for PrEP?
Truvada is safe for use in many individuals, with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for both pre-exposure and post-exposure use. That being said, the approval depends on whether you’re taking it for PEP or PrEP. To take Truvada as PEP, you must weigh at least 37 pounds.
To use Truvada as PrEP, the guidelines are a little more stringent. You should be either an adolescent or an adult and weigh at least 77 pounds. Additionally, you need to be HIV-negative and considered at risk of acquiring sexually transmitted HIV.
Is Truvada Right for You?
Deciding whether Truvada is right for you means closely evaluating your individual health needs and risks. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional who can assess your situation, provide guidance, and make sure Truvada is a safe and effective choice for you.
How to Start Truvada With MISTR
Starting Truvada is easy with MISTR. Create an account and answer some health questions, and then we’ll send you easy-to-use at-home testing. If PrEP is right for you, our licensed physicians will reach out to prescribe Truvada PrEP and get you on your journey to even safer sex.
Simple Steps to Access PrEP Online
- Create an account at HeyMistr.com.
- Fill out the health questionnaire in your account and wait for your at-home testing kit to arrive.
- Follow the instructions in your kit. Don’t worry—there are no needles and no doctor visit necessary! Just mail in your labs when you’re done.
- Once your lab results are ready, you’ll have a consultation with one of our licensed physicians. If PrEP is for you, they’ll prescribe it then and there!
- Follow up every three months for refills. No paperwork and free delivery take the hassle out of getting your PrEP prescription.
Contact MISTR if you’re interested in starting Truvada.