PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a safe and effective way to prevent HIV. Many people use it every day as part of their routine care.
Many people take PrEP every day as part of their routine care. If you’re thinking about starting, or already taking it, it’s normal to have questions about side effects.
Here’s what you need to know.
Most People Have Little or No Side Effects
Most people take PrEP without any problems.
Some people may notice mild side effects when they first start, like:
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Headache
- Feeling tired
These usually go away within a few weeks as your body adjusts.
Does PrEP Cause Weight Gain or Body Changes?
Some people ask if PrEP causes weight gain or changes in their body.
Right now, there is no strong evidence that PrEP causes consistent or noticeable weight gain for most people.
Bodies can change for many reasons, like stress, sleep, diet, or other health factors.
If you notice changes that concern you, talk with your provider. We can help you figure out what’s going on.
Rare but Important Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare.
In some cases, PrEP can affect:
- Kidneys
- Bone health
That’s why we check labs regularly. These are simple tests to make sure your body is doing well on PrEP.
You’ll Have Support Along the Way
You don’t have to figure this out on your own.
When you’re on PrEP, your care team will:
Check in with you at regular visits
- Answer your questions
- Monitor your labs
- Help you decide what feels right for your body
If something doesn’t feel right, you can always speak up. We’re here to help.
The Big Picture
PrEP is one of the most effective ways to prevent HIV.
When taken as prescribed, it reduces the risk of HIV from sex by about 99%.
For most people, the benefits are much greater than the risks.
PrEP is very safe for most people. We monitor labs and check in regularly, so if anything changes, we catch it early. Most patients do not have long-term side effects.
— The Project Care Team
Protecting your health doesn’t have to come at the cost of your comfort. PrEP now is designed to be both effective and well tolerated, with most people experiencing little to no side effects. Taking PrEP is a proactive step that puts you in control, helping you to stay protected with confidence and have peace of mind.”
— Sarah Wignall, Supportive Services Manager II
Thinking About PrEP?
If you’re interested in PrEP, the first step is to schedule a free and confidential HIV/STI test.
This helps make sure PrEP is right for you and keeps you safe while starting.
Get Started
- Schedule a free and confidential HIV/STI screening: https://phctheproject.org/free-testing/
- Talk with our team about PrEP during your visit
- Learn more about your options
After your test, our team will guide you through the next steps, including labs, prescriptions, and follow-up care.
You don’t have to figure it out on your own, we’ll walk you through each step.
Sources:
- CDC – Clinical Guidance for PrEP: https://www.cdc.gov/hivnexus/hcp/prep/index.html
- HIV.gov – PrEP Overview: https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-prevention/using-hiv-medication-to-reduce-risk/pre-exposure-prophylaxis
