PrEP for HIV Prevention

(PrEP ED Trial)

This trial aims to increase awareness and use of PrEP, a medication that helps prevent HIV, among visitors to the Parkland Memorial Hospital Emergency Department in Dallas, TX. The trial focuses on providing a quick start of PrEP medication at the hospital and setting up a follow-up appointment for ongoing care. Individuals who have tested negative for HIV, are interested in starting PrEP, have had an STI (sexually transmitted infection), or are referred by their ED clinician as likely benefiting from PrEP are suitable candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to access PrEP quickly and conveniently while contributing to important research on its implementation in emergency settings.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

Research has shown that PrEP, the medication used to prevent HIV, is generally safe for most people. Studies have found that side effects are usually mild, including nausea, diarrhea, and headaches, and most people manage them easily.

In rare cases, PrEP can affect the kidneys, so doctors often perform kidney tests before and during treatment to monitor this. A large study found that serious problems from taking PrEP are uncommon. Most people who experience side effects report that they are mild and resolve quickly.

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores a rapid start of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in the Emergency Department (ED). This approach is different because it aims to initiate PrEP quickly for at-risk individuals right when they seek emergency care, potentially increasing accessibility and adherence. Unlike the usual initiation process that may involve delays and multiple visits, this rapid-start method could significantly reduce the time to protection and make it easier for people to start and stay on PrEP. This could lead to better prevention outcomes in populations who might otherwise face barriers to timely PrEP initiation.

Studies have shown that HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) effectively prevents HIV. Research indicates that taking PrEP as prescribed can reduce the risk of contracting HIV from sex by about 99%. It also lowers the risk for people who inject drugs by at least 74%. In real-world settings, adherence to the PrEP routine can lead to a 93% reduction in the risk of HIV infection. Overall, when taken correctly, PrEP serves as a powerful tool for preventing HIV.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰