PrEP is Inclusive: What the Trans Community Needs to Know
Pre-exposure prophylaxis, better known as PrEP, is a key tool in HIV prevention. While it is often associated with men who have sex with other men, PrEP is in fact an inclusive tool that can be adapted to the specific needs of the transgender community.
Adaptability of PrEP for Trans Individuals
PrEP can be taken by any HIV-negative person seeking extra protection against the virus. However, nuances must be considered for each individual. For example, for optimal effectiveness, transgender men should take PrEP daily, while transgender women can follow the same guidelines as cisgender men, including the option to take PrEP on demand.
Medicinal Interactions and Transition Hormones
Two scientific studies have examined potential interactions between feminizing hormones and the tenofovir/emtricitabine combination (TDF/FTC, also known as Truvada®) in PrEP. The results show that TDF/FTC does not affect hormone levels in trans women using feminizing hormones; however, they have demonstrated that hormone therapy can affect the levels of PrEP medication in the blood. In these studies, concentrations of Truvada were slightly lower in trans women than in cisgender men; however, these lower levels of TDF/FTC in trans women taking feminizing hormones were still within the range necessary for PrEP to protect against HIV infection.
Variable Onset Time Depending on the Type of Sexual Activity
The time needed before PrEP reaches full effecacy varies depending on the type of sexual activity:
- Anal penetration—7 days, or a double dose (2 pills) 2 hours before sexual intercourse.
- Vaginal or frontal penetration—21 days are recommended.
Cost and Accessibility
The cost of PrEP can vary depending on your insurance coverage. With public insurance, the fees can range considerably, from $0 to $95.52. Similarly, for those with private insurance, the cost can vary from one insurer to another. Visit our interactive quiz which will help you estimate how much PrEP will cost for you.
Consultation and Prescription at Pharmacie du Village
The instructions regarding PrEP dosage can vary from one individual to another. The information presented here should not replace personalized recommendations issued by your health professional. At Proxim Pharmacie du Village, we offer a new convenient option for obtaining PrEP. This project was developed by an interdisciplinary team of doctors, pharmacists, and nurses. For more information and to access this new HIV prevention care corridor, we invite you to consult Prelib/OFI and make an appointment with us. We are eager to talk to you and answer all your questions. You can also visit our informative page for a list of additional resources that can prescribe PrEP, or simply contact us.
Takeaway
PrEP is an HIV prevention tool that can be adapted to a variety of needs and situations. If you are a transgender person seeking effective protection against HIV, it is crucial to consult a competent health professional to discuss the best way to integrate PrEP into your preventive sexual health strategy.
For a stronger community health, share this information and contribute to a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone.
