VIHve Libre

PrEP Protocol for HIV Prevention

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is an antiretroviral medication designed to prevent HIV transmission in people who don't live with the virus but may be exposed to it.

What is PrEP?

Essential information about this HIV preventive treatment

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is an antiretroviral medication designed to prevent HIV transmission in people who don't live with the virus but may be exposed to it through sexual relations or injectable drug use.

History and development

Since the 1990s, HIV research showed that antiretrovirals not only served to treat the infection but could prevent new transmissions if taken preventively. In 2012, the FDA approved the use of Tenofovir + Emtricitabine as PrEP, and currently the WHO recommends its use in at-risk populations.

The effectiveness of PrEP depends on adherence: if taken correctly, medication levels in the blood and tissues create a barrier that prevents the virus from establishing itself in the body.

PrEP Illustration

How does PrEP work?

Understand how this medication acts to protect you

PrEP works by blocking HIV's ability to establish an infection in the body. The medication must be present in sufficient concentration in the blood before exposure to the virus occurs.

Effectiveness

If taken properly, PrEP reduces the risk of transmission by 99% in sexual relations and by 74% in injectable drug use.

When taking PrEP, these medications accumulate in tissues where HIV might try to establish itself. The presence of these drugs in your body prevents the virus from replicating and establishing a permanent infection.

How PrEP works illustration

Who should take PrEP?

PrEP is recommended for people with a higher risk of exposure to HIV

1

People in serodiscordant relationships

Couples where one person lives with HIV and the other doesn't, especially if the person with HIV doesn't have an undetectable viral load.

2

Men who have sex with men

MSM with multiple partners or inconsistent condom use.

3

Transgender people

Especially those with high-risk sexual practices or in contexts where HIV prevalence is high.

4

Sex workers

Due to potential exposure to multiple sexual partners.

5

Injectable drug users

People who share needles or injection equipment.

6

Other people at risk

Anyone with high-risk practices or potential exposure to HIV.

Anyone with risk practices can access PrEP, always with proper medical assessment and appropriate counseling.

How is PrEP taken?

There are different regimens for taking PrEP according to your needs

Daily regimen (recommended)

  • Take one pill every day at the same time.
  • This is the most studied and recommended regimen for all population groups.
  • If you miss 4 doses in a week, protection is lost.

Effectiveness

The daily regimen offers maximum protection when taken correctly, reaching up to 99% effectiveness.

Time to reach protection

Anal relations

7 days of daily use

Vaginal/frontal relations or injectable drug use

21 days of daily use

Process to obtain PrEP with VIHve Libre

Follow these steps to access PrEP in a free and confidential manner

1

Download the CDMX app

Available on Google Play and App Store. Within the app, select the 'Clínica Condesa' option.

2

Create your account

Answer the form questions. Select VIHve Libre as your care unit.

3

Upload a recent HIV test

If you don't have one, you can request a free test from VIHve Libre via WhatsApp. It's necessary to confirm you are seronegative before starting PrEP.

4

Send your health profile to VIHve Libre

Send a screenshot of your health profile to VIHve Libre via WhatsApp. It's important that we can see the ID that says patient code (5 numbers).

5

Pick up your PrEP or request home delivery

Pick up your medication or request free home delivery throughout Mexico. VIHve Libre services are free, confidential, and open to all people, including foreigners.

Required medical tests

Before starting PrEP, the following are required: ✅ HIV test to confirm you are seronegative. ✅ Kidney function tests (Blood creatinine every 6-12 months). ✅ STI tests (Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C). While using PrEP, you should get HIV tests every 3 months.

Side effects

Most people don't experience adverse effects. Some may experience: nausea, headache, or fatigue. These effects usually disappear after the first few doses. If symptoms persist, it's recommended to seek medical consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about PrEP

Need help or more information?

We're here to support you. Contact us through any of these channels and we'll respond as soon as possible.

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