What is the frequency of injections and how does the injectable PrEP program work?

The program is simple and easy to follow, with about 6 injection appointments per year once the maintenance phase begins.

Here is how the journey unfolds, step by step.

Step 1: The initiation phase (the first 2 doses)

This phase quickly "loads" the medication into your body to achieve optimal protection.

1. Oral lead-in phase (optional): Before the first injection, you can choose to take the medication in pill form for one month to test your tolerance.
2. First injection: Administered after a negative HIV test.
3. Second injection: Scheduled exactly 4 weeks later.

Step 2: The maintenance phase

Once the initiation is complete, you settle into a regular rhythm.

• You will then receive an injection every 8 weeks (every 2 months).
• A flexibility window of ±7 days around the scheduled date is possible.

Medical follow-up: a priority for your safety

Follow-up is essential and very similar to that for oral PrEP.

• HIV test before each injection: A rapid test or blood draw is mandatory before every administration to confirm your negative status.
• Overall follow-up: Screening for other STIs continues at the same pace, usually every 3 to 6 months.

Flexibility and practical aspects

• The injection: It is quick and administered into the gluteal muscle by a healthcare professional. Some tenderness at the injection site for a few days is normal.
• Travel or trips: If you anticipate a delay for your injection, notify us as soon as possible. We can plan a "bridging" solution with pills so your protection is never interrupted.
• Injection location: You can receive your injections for free in our private room at the pharmacy, or we can deliver the medication to the injection site of your choice.