Question
Can I use ARVs instead of PrEP?
9 September 2019. Related: All topics, HIV transmission.
My girlfriend has tested positive and on arvs,and I have tested negative, can i drink arvs to prevent myself since i am in South Africa and can’t afford the prep meds.
Answer
Hi
ARVs and PrEP use the same drugs.
But ARV combinations (called ART) use three HIV drugs and PrEP only uses two drugs (tenofovir DF and emtricitabine).
PrEP should be available free in South African clinics.
You can’t use your partners ARVs for PrEP.
Hi Rose, is your partner on treatment? and do you know their viral load?
If it is below 200 there is no risk of transmission to you and you do not need to be on PrEP. This is explained by U=U: https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/
If your partner is not on treatment/does not have a suppressed viral load, it is advised to use PrEP/condom for as often as you are having sex.
Hi l’m HIV negative and my partner is positive,so how long should l take prep.
Hi Dallis, where are you based? in most cases you will have another test from the clinic where you are getting treatment from.
In this case it would mean having another HIV test in the province you are in now. After testing positive you can then get treatment from where you are.
If i tested positive with hiv and im from another province do i need to go back to where i first got trsted to get a prescription
Hi Joyce, how many days were you taking PrEP before and after having sex?
Were you daily dosing or using on demand? In both cases taking PrEP for the following 2 days will protect you from transmission.
Daily dosing would require 7 days before and on-demand would require a double dose 2 hours before sex.
If you followed one of these methods of taking PrEP you will be protected. When using PrEP it is advised to regularly test (around every 3 months) to continue to be aware of your status.
For more information about testing and transmission see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
Used prep for two weeks and stopped after having unprotected sex with positive partner and I was negative what will happen and now is a month
Hi Shadrack, PrEP is used to prevent transmission. If you are in a monogamous relationship there is no risk of transmission and neither of you will need to be on PrEP.
PrEP, as with all medication, should only be used by the person it has been prescribed for. If you are still intending to use PrEP in your relationship, your female partner should ensure to speak to her own doctor/healthcare provider to have her own prescription.
Thanks giving more information on the subject however my question was not answered and the question was: I’m on prep, can my negative female partner take the tablets I’m taking?
Hi Nono, you have been given a course of PEP. This is a treatment used to prevent transmission after having sex with someone HIV positive.
The course only lasts 28 and after this you can be tested to determine your status.
PEP: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
I would like to know if it’s right to be given arvs if your partner tested positive and you tested negative…..they give you arvs because you still on window period? I am concerned and confused. I was called to be given prep but when got there arvs were given they said they will change after 28 days if I test negative.