Event-based PrEP or “on-demand” PrEP, is a method for taking PrEP that involves taking a specific regimen of medication around the time of sexual activity. While daily PrEP has been the standard dosing strategy for many years, event-based PrEP has gained increasing attention as an alternative for people who have infrequent sexual activity or who prefer not to take medication on a daily basis.
How does event-based PrEP work?
Event-based PrEP involves taking two pills of the medication (TDF/FTC) 2-24 hours before anticipated sexual activity, and then taking one pill every 24 hours for two additional days after the last sexual encounter. This means that the total duration of PrEP use may be shorter than with daily dosing, but the regimen is designed to provide protection during the period of sexual activity and immediately following it.
It has been shown in various studies that event based PrEP is highly effective when taken properly. In a landmark study called the IPERGAY trial, event-based PrEP was shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection by 86% compared to placebo in men who have sex with men. This study also found that people who used event-based PrEP reported higher adherence and greater satisfaction with the dosing regimen than those who used daily PrEP.
Event-based PrEP may be a good option for people who have sex less frequently or who have concerns about long-term medication use. It may also be a more affordable option for some individuals, as they only need to take medication when they anticipate sexual activity.
Important considerations for event-based PrEP
One must do careful planning and follow the doses as required for the event based PrEP to be effective in preventing HIV. People who are considering event-based PrEP should discuss the dosing strategy with their healthcare provider to ensure they understand how to use it correctly.
Additionally, event-based PrEP is not recommended for people who engage in frequent sexual activity or who have a high risk of HIV exposure due to factors such as injection drug use or having a partner with an unknown HIV status. In such cases one must follow daily PrEP dosing.
It should be noted that PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condom use and regular STI testing are important for overall sexual health and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Event-based PrEP is a highly effective dosing strategy for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis that may be a good option for people who have infrequent sexual activity or who prefer not to take medication on a daily basis. It requires careful planning and adherence to the dosing regimen in order to provide adequate protection. People who are considering event-based PrEP should discuss the dosing strategy with their healthcare provider to ensure they understand how to use it correctly and to determine if it is the best option for their individual needs. To know more about how to buy on-demand PrEP online, please refer this guide.