Anyone here on PrEP 2-1-1?

[Yeahman]

I learned about PrEP a couple of years ago, but didn't want to take it everyday so I never made efforts to get it. I'm not sexually active at all, like only 1 encounter a year on average, therefore, it doesn't make much sense for me to take it on a daily basis.

 

I recently learned about the PrEP 2-1-1 regimen, which suits my need really well since I can take it only when I need it. Therefore, I definitely want it for my next encounter. However, I'm not clear what medication can be used for this 2-1-1 regimen. Is it Truvada? Or is it descovy?

 

Due to this horrible pandemic, I don't feel comfortable visiting any clinic, so I'm trying to learn a little from here.

 

Online search for PrEP 2-1-1 brings up a number of websites, but they don't say what medicine is used for this purpose. If you find better website, please paste the link here.

 

Is anyone here on the PrEP 2-1-1 regimen? Care to educate newbie a bit? Thank you very much!

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

https://www.poz.com/article/ondemand-211-prep-prevents-hiv-even-sex-infrequent

 

That said, it's a regime that splits many infectious disease docs: Some will recommend it, some won't. YMMV.

 

There's not an end-all-be-all stance on it.

 

Personally, Descovy for PrEP has almost zero side effects, so taking it on the daily isn't something I'd be all that concerned about. Eventually, there will be something new- and better- along to take its place (likely a longer-term injection from what's being said).

Edited September 28, 2020 by Benjamin_Nicholas

[Pittlookalike]

Are the prep medications all by prescription only?

[Yeahman]

Are the prep medications all by prescription only?

 

That's my understanding. But I read that Truvada's patent will expire soon, and then it'll become generic, but may still need prescription.

[Yeahman]

https://www.poz.com/article/ondemand-211-prep-prevents-hiv-even-sex-infrequent

 

That said, it's a regime that splits many infectious disease docs: Some will recommend it, some won't. YMMV.

 

There's not an end-all-be-all stance on it.

 

Personally, Descovy for PrEP has almost zero side effects, so taking it on the daily isn't something I'd be all that concerned about. Eventually, there will be something new- and better- along to take its place (likely a longer-term injection from what's being said).

 

Thank you. So according to this article, it is Truvada that's approved for this 2-1-1 regimen. Somehow I thought descovy was. I only have about 1 sexual encounter a year on average, so I don't think I want to take a pill every day, even if it has minimal side effect. But I hope descovy can be used for 2-1-1, if it has less side effect.

[+ sniper]

Generic Truvada is supposed to be available Sept 30 but I can't seem to find anything about what the price is etc.

[Yeahman]

Generic Truvada is supposed to be available Sept 30 but I can't seem to find anything about what the price is etc.

 

Are you considering taking it daily or 2-1-1 ?

[thisidethatside]

i didn't read the other replies; i am sorry if this was answered

it is truvada

i have taken truvada everyday & via the 2-1-1 method & PEP twice (i'll answer any questions)

i tested negative for hiv on 9/14/20

i go on and off truvada for a variety of reasons

there are a lot of politics around truvada (unfortunately/fortunately)

there is a race between the sexual health departments of the major american cities to get new hiv infections to 0% (this is absolutely possible if they can get everyone on PrEP)

there are serious concerns within the medical communities about 2-1-1 confusing patients who are taking truvada daily and it causing doing more harm than good

the inner city systems (doctors, directors, management, etc) have a huge investment of time & energy getting high risk people to take their meds at all (keep in mind they are dealing with a % of people who are having unprotected sex w/ countless people everyday, addicts, struggle with metal health issues, homeless, etc so it skews how they view everyone and treatment for everyone) - if you look at the stats PrEP is working within those communities - this matters for the health of our communities and for funding

notice the talk of a vaccine or cure is basically non existent

hospitals clinics etc told (tell) patients PrEP has no serious side effects this is very controversial and all i will say is check in with the major universities like UCLA and read the reports/clinical studies

i realize some of this is a tangential (sorry), but it is important stuff that is not discussed enough

[+ sam.fitzpatrick]

@Yeahman - - I've been on Truvada for about two and a half years. When the stay at home orders started, I stopped taking it for a couple of months and after consultation with my physician, I resumed it on the 2-1-1 method prior to taking a trip in late July.

 

For me, I'm a creature of habit and the daily routine works better, so I went back to the daily schedule earlier this month.

[+ Snbrd]

My experience is similar to Sam. My MD explained 2-1-1 but I don't always plan ahead. Pre-COVID if I heard from a Scruff hookup or FB on short notice I was ready to go with daily. I stopped completely for a long time during the lockdown and will again if there's another outbreak.

 

I don't take any other meds and have experienced no side effects with prep. Having lived through the HIV crisis I recognize the irony of being more worried about COVID than HIV.

[Pittlookalike]

Excuse my ignorance. Could someone explain 2-1-1? Can i take prep just when i have unprotected sex? Do i have to take prep far in advance and after unprotected sex? Is there any over the counter prep? What about pep? Any over the counter pep? When do you take pep?

I lived through the aids crisis and generally avoided intercourse, but now with these pills to protect against hiv, would like to have intercourse. Thx

[+ FrankR]

Excuse my ignorance. Could someone explain 2-1-1? Can i take prep just when i have unprotected sex? Do i have to take prep far in advance and after unprotected sex?

You take two of the pills 2-24 hours before sex, one pill 24 hours after the initial dose, and one final pill 24 hours later. ?

 

So basically you have to plan ahead to have sex. Do consult with a trusted medical practitioner. Prep will help you prevent HIV transmission but not other STDs.

Edited September 29, 2020 by FrankR

[+ robear]

https://preprx.ucsf.edu/2-1-1-prep

 

As Frank says above, 2-1-1 begins with a double dose 2-24 hrs. before sex, and is followed by a single dose the next 2 days. It would be prudent to follow that protocol for all sexual encounters, not only "unprotected," but that's up to you. If you a very active with different partners, the daily dose of Truvada or Descovy probably makes more sense.

 

All PrEP therapies are based on those 2 prescription drugs. I'm sure there are sketchy operators out there in internetland willing to take your money to bypass the physician-pharmacist route, but IMHO doing that is not very wise.

 

A reminder that for most people with commercial insurance, PrEP is free or low cost with the manufacturer's copay programs, available for both drugs

https://www.descovy.com/treatment/co-pay-assistance

 

Many states and most big cities have programs to provide PrEP at little or no cost to those without commercial insurance.

 

If you feel unable to ask your regular physician for a prescription, or you don't have a regular physician, I would check out local HIV services or STD clinics, you can almost certainly find a physician who will manage PrEP therapy without judgement at or through such facilities.

Edited September 29, 2020 by robear

[+ sniper]

If the price comes down to a couple hundred a month I would take PreP but as it is I simply don't fuck often enough to justify >$10,000 a year in healthcare expenditure.

otoh 2-1-1 seems like cutting it a little close to me.

[dcman]

And don't forget their are always condoms which also help prevent stds, which prep does not.

[Yeahman]

https://preprx.ucsf.edu/2-1-1-prep

 

As Frank says above, 2-1-1 begins with a double dose 2-24 hrs. before sex, and is followed by a single dose the next 2 days. It would be prudent to follow that protocol for all sexual encounters, not only "unprotected," but that's up to you. If you a very active with different partners, the daily dose of Truvada or Descovy probably makes more sense.

 

All PrEP therapies are based on those 2 prescription drugs. I'm sure there are sketchy operators out there in internetland willing to take your money to bypass the physician-pharmacist route, but IMHO doing that is not very wise.

 

A reminder that for most people with commercial insurance, PrEP is free or low cost with the manufacturer's copay programs, available for both drugs

https://www.descovy.com/treatment/co-pay-assistance

 

Many states and most big cities have programs to provide PrEP at little or no cost to those without commercial insurance.

 

If you feel unable to ask your regular physician for a prescription, or you don't have a regular physician, I would check out local HIV services or STD clinics, you can almost certainly find a physician who will manage PrEP therapy without judgement at or through such facilities.

 

I am trying to get mine from Nurx. Do you or anyone here have experience getting it from this vendor? Is it legit?

[Yeahman]

Excuse my ignorance. Could someone explain 2-1-1? Can i take prep just when i have unprotected sex? Do i have to take prep far in advance and after unprotected sex? Is there any over the counter prep? What about pep? Any over the counter pep? When do you take pep?

I lived through the aids crisis and generally avoided intercourse, but now with these pills to protect against hiv, would like to have intercourse. Thx

 

I also only learned about it last week. I think it is a great option for those who are not sexually active. And with this option available, there is really no reason to become HIV+.

[MikeBiDude]

I just received a letter from Gilead stating they are discontinuing the Truvada co-pay assistance (in California at least) bcs there is a generic replacement. I have paid zero for my Truvada for a few years now with insurance and Gilead co-pay. Apparently there is a co-pay program for Descovy.

 

I’ve not seen much info on the generic Truvada? My doctor is a bit clueless about my lifestyle, but I like him and it’s fun educating him on these drugs, lol.

[Rudynate]

My experience is similar to Sam. My MD explained 2-1-1 but I don't always plan ahead. Pre-COVID if I heard from a Scruff hookup or FB on short notice I was ready to go with daily. I stopped completely for a long time during the lockdown and will again if there's another outbreak.

 

I don't take any other meds and have experienced no side effects with prep. Having lived through the HIV crisis I recognize the irony of being more worried about COVID than HIV.

 

 

COVID is much more contagious than HIV.

[Yeahman]

COVID is much more contagious than HIV.

 

That's true, but people tend to recover from COVID and won't need lifelong maintenance in general. So, still want to be very cautious about HIV.

[Yeahman]

I just received a letter from Gilead stating they are discontinuing the Truvada co-pay assistance (in California at least) bcs there is a generic replacement. I have paid zero for my Truvada for a few years now with insurance and Gilead co-pay. Apparently there is a co-pay program for Descovy.

 

I’ve not seen much info on the generic Truvada? My doctor is a bit clueless about my lifestyle, but I like him and it’s fun educating him on these drugs, lol.

 

I would love to get Descovy because from what I read it has less side effect than Truvada. But I was told that they are almost identical.

[Yeahman]

If the price comes down to a couple hundred a month I would take PreP but as it is I simply don't fuck often enough to justify >$10,000 a year in healthcare expenditure.

otoh 2-1-1 seems like cutting it a little close to me.

 

Nurx's website says that 99% of their patients pay 0 dollars with or without insurance. I'm trying to get mine from them.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

My doctor is a bit clueless about my lifestyle, but I like him and it’s fun educating him on these drugs, lol.

 

As long as you're comfortable doing that and he's receptive, that's awesome ?

 

So many docs don't keep up with where meds have gone (and are going). They're stuck in the 'take two amoxil a day and call the nurse on duty if it gets worse' ideology. That's why- for me- finding not only a gp, but also an infectious disease specialist has been the silver bullet.

 

Now I feel medically well-cared for and as an escort, that's perhaps the most important tool in our arsenal.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

I would love to get Descovy because from what I read it has less side effect than Truvada. But I was told that they are almost identical.

 

They are different.

 

The biggest thing being that they metabolize in completely different ways.

[Yeahman]

I was trying to get started at Nurx website. But my payment failed. So I called them. The customer service told me that to get their assistance program, I need to meet the following requirements:

1. No insurance or under-insured and
   
2. An annual income of less than 60000.
   

Therefore, it looks like I won't be able to get it from them. I'll have to wait until the pandemic is under control to visit a local clinic and use my insurance. This pandemic is really killing everything. Not sure when it's gonna end.