Maybe you only use condoms sometimes, or seldom, or don’t use them at all. Maybe you want to lower your risk of getting HIV, but condoms don’t always work for you. In that case, PrEP can be something that can help you. Using PrEP means taking a medicine that lowers the risk of getting HIV. PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis.
- PrEP gives a very high level of protection, but not completely 100%.
- Forgetting a pill = less effective protection. Take your pills every day.
- PrEP does not protect against chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis. Condoms are the only thing that lower the risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases.
- PrEP can have side effects.
- It is important to get check-ups while taking the medicine.
PrEP is an approved medical product in Sweden, and it is part of the high-cost protection system. This means that you never pay more than SEK 2 600 per year for prescription medicine. PrEP is avaliable all over Sweden for men who have sex with men. However, there is a waiting list in some areas. Contact your clinic for more information.
Some tips:
It’s easy to forget to take your medicine. Here are some ways to help you remember:
- Set a daily alarm on your mobile phone. Either with the regular alarm clock or a special medicine app.
- Keep your medicine in your bag, or hang a small container on your keyring.
- Keep your medicine in a place where you will see it every day. Maybe next to your toothbrush or coffee maker?
