Inclusive PrEP: Better adapted for cis women, trans and non-binary people

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, better known as PrEP, is a key tool in HIV prevention. Although it is often associated with men who have sex with men, PrEP is actually an inclusive tool that can be adapted to the specific needs of the transgender community.

Adaptability of PrEP for trans people

PrEP can be taken by any HIV-negative person seeking additional protection against HIV. 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 of taking PrEP on demand.

Drug interactions and transition hormones

Two scientific studies have examined the 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 who use feminizing hormones.

However, they did observe that hormone therapy can affect the levels of PrEP drugs in the blood. Truvada concentrations were slightly lower in trans women than in cisgender men in the studies. Nevertheless, these lower levels of TDF/FTC in trans women taking feminizing hormones were still within the range required for PrEP to protect them against HIV infection.

Variable start of action depending on the type of sexual intercourse

The time required before PrEP is fully effective varies depending on the type of sexual intercourse:

• 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 greatly between $0 and $95.52. For those with private insurance, the cost can vary considerably from one insurer to another.

Consultation and prescription at the 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 healthcare professional. At the 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 to make an appointment with us. We look forward to speaking with you and answering all your questions.

You can also visit our informational page for a list of additional resources that can prescribe PrEP, or simply contact us.

To remember

PrEP is an HIV prevention tool that can be adapted to a variety of needs and situations. If you are a transgender person wishing to obtain effective protection against HIV, it is crucial to consult a competent healthcare 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.