Open AccessUpdate on HIV prevention and preexposure prophylaxis
Author(s) -
Jonathan Baker,
Joanne Rolls
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of the american academy of physician assistants
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0893-7400
DOI - 10.1097/01.jaa.0000662360.74992.67
Subject(s) - emtricitabine , tenofovir alafenamide , pre exposure prophylaxis , medicine , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , family medicine , men who have sex with men , tenofovir , obligation , population , antiretroviral therapy , environmental health , viral load , political science , syphilis , law
HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an opportunity for clinicians to curb the 40,000 HIV infections occurring annually in the United States. PrEP is medication used by HIV-negative patients to reduce their risk of acquiring the virus. This article provides a baseline understanding of PrEP indications, prescribing, and monitoring, including a review of previously approved medication and an update on newly approved drugs, including emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (F/TAF). Sexual and gender minorities are often underrepresented in the literature about PrEP, but clinicians should address risk focused on specific behaviors rather than population-level characteristics. As one of few professions with prescriptive authority, PAs have an obligation to understand and manage PrEP.