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The number of users of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to combat HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) has grown substantially throughout Acre, according to a bulletin released by the Ministry of Health.
PeEP, available free of charge in the Unified Health System (SUS), consists of taking pills before sexual intercourse, which allow the body to be prepared to face possible contact with HIV. The person on PrEP undergoes regular health monitoring, with testing for HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
PrEP is indicated for anyone vulnerable to HIV/Photo: Reproduction
Protection is a combination of two medications (tenofovir + emtricitabine) that block some “pathways” that HIV uses to infect the body. There are two recommended types of PrEP: daily PrEP and on-demand PrEP.
- Daily PrEP: consists of taking pills daily, continuously, indicated for anyone vulnerable to HIV;
- PrEP on demand: consists of taking PrEP only when the person has a possible risk exposure to HIV. It should be used by taking 2 tablets 2 to 24 hours before sexual intercourse, + 1 tablet 24 hours after the initial dose of two tablets + 1 tablet 24 hours after the second dose. PrEP on demand is indicated for people who usually have sexual intercourse less than twice a week AND who are able to plan when sexual intercourse will occur. Furthermore, scientific evidence guarantees the safety and effectiveness of on-demand PrEP only for some populations. They are: cisgender heterosexual, bisexual, gay and other cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM), non-binary people designated as male at birth, and transvestites and transsexual women – who are not using hormones based on estradiol.
In 2024, so far, Brazil has reached the mark of 109 thousand users of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). In 2022, the number was 50.7 thousand users. In the same period, the number of PrEP users in Acre increased from 92 to 187.
“This milestone reinforces the Brazilian government’s commitment to responding to HIV and AIDS, ensuring that more people have access to effective and safe prevention strategies. The increase in diagnostic capacity is directly related to actions to expand the supply of prevention supplies, in particular PrEP”, says the Ministry of Health.
How long does it take for PrEP to start working?
- Cisgender women, trans or non-binary people assigned female at birth, and anyone using estradiol-based hormones, who use daily oral PrEP, must take the medication for at least 7 (seven) days to reach levels ideal protection. Before the initial seven days of PrEP introduction, additional prevention measures must be adopted.
- Cisgender men, non-binary people assigned male at birth, and transvestites and transgender women – who are not using estradiol-based hormones – and who use PrEP, whether daily or on demand, must take a dose of 2 (two) TDF/FTC tablets 2 to 24 hours before sexual intercourse to achieve protective levels of the drug in the body for anal intercourse (4, 5). It is noteworthy that on-demand PrEP studies do not present evidence of protection for receptive (neo)vaginal sexual intercourse.
- IMPORTANT: Regular testing and investigation of signs and symptoms for other STIs are essential. PrEP prevents HIV and allows the diagnosis and treatment of other STIs, interrupting the chain of transmission. Using a condom prevents HIV and other STIs.
Who can use PrEP?
PrEP is indicated for anyone vulnerable to HIV.
Some situations that may indicate the use of PrEP:
- Often stops using condoms during sexual intercourse (anal or vaginal);
- Makes repeated use of PEP (HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis);
- Has a history of episodes of Sexually Transmitted Infections;
- Contexts of sexual relations in exchange for money, valuables, drugs, housing, etc.
- Chemsex: sexual practice under the influence of psychoactive drugs (methamphetamines, Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), MDMA, cocaine, poppers) with the aim of improving and facilitating sexual experiences.
How can I start using PrEP?
Look for a health service and find out if you are indicated for PrEP.
See a list of services that offer PrEP:
Important documents:
With information from the Ministry of Health.
