Things You Need To Understand About HIV Barrier Medications
Treatment for, and management of, HIV exposure has changed a lot over the last several decades. In fact, with the development of medications such as PrEP, those at risk of HIV exposure can now add an additional preventative measure to reduce their risk. Because these preventative medications are new to the marketplace, many people are unfamiliar with the basics of these treatments. Here's a look at some of the things that you should know before you start taking a medication such as PrEP to help protect yourself against HIV exposure.
Taking HIV Barrier Medication Doesn't Mean Skipping Condoms
It's easy to fall into a false sense of security in believing that, if you're taking a barrier medication, it means that you don't need to use condoms anymore. This isn't the case, though. It's important to remember that an HIV barrier medication only works to reduce your risk of HIV exposure. It doesn't prevent other STDs or pregnancy, so it's important that you continue to use other methods of protection as well.
Take HIV Barrier Medication Before You're Exposed
If you have any concerns about potential HIV exposure in the future, then this is the time to start looking at HIV barrier medication. It's important for you to start a barrier medication regimen before you're ever exposed to HIV because it won't work if you start taking it after exposure. The goal is to have the medication in your system before your body is ever exposed to the virus at all.
HIV Barrier Medications Are A Daily Commitment
Before you start considering an HIV barrier medication, it's important for you to give careful consideration to the commitment. Remember that, for a barrier medication to provide you with the maximum level of protection, you'll have to commit to taking it every single day. You'll also want to plan on taking your medication at the same time of day every day, so choose a dosing time that you'll be able to stick with long-term.
HIV barrier medications like PrEP and other similar treatments offer a great line of defense against potential HIV exposure. If you have any reason to believe that you may face a potential exposure in the future, you'll need to make sure that you take every possible step to protect yourself. With this information and the support of your doctor, you can explore HIV barrier medication to see if it may be the right choice for you.
For more information on your choices, such as mail order PrEP prescriptions, speak with your doctor.
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