PrEP is for those at high risk of contracting HIV. That includes people who have:
Multiple sexual partners
HIV+ sexual partners
Had recurring sexually transmitted infections
And use recreational drugs
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three drugs for use as PrEP. They are: Truvada (emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate), Descovy (emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate) and Apretude, an injection given once every two months. The FDA approved Truvada in 2012 for use by men and women who are at high risk of HIV. Descovy, on the other hand, which got FDA approval in 2019, is only for use by men. “The newer drug, Descovy, has only been looked at in men having sex with men or transgender men. So it’s not indicated for women who are at risk,” says Mesfin Fransua, MD, who treats HIV patients at the Morehouse School of Medicine. The latest drug, Apretude, was approved for both men and women at risk of contracting HIV. Neither drug has been evaluated in pregnant women. So if you may become pregnant while taking the drug, it’s important to discuss the possible risks with your physician. Lastly, the drugs are not recommended for people with damaged kidneys or livers, as PrEP can exacerbate the condition.