How Does PrEP Work?

How Does PrEP Prevent HIV Infection?

PrEP is a combination of two drugs: Tenofivir and Emtricitabine.

HIV is a virus that is make from a single strand of RNA, the ‘blueprint’ of DNA. To make copies of itself it must first be transformed into DNA where it can then incorporate into the cell’s DNA. From this point it is able to make millions of copies of itself hijacking the cell’s mechanics.

PrEP works is to block HIV’s ability to create the DNA that is later used to enable replication within the T cells.

When taken every day, Truvada, the combination of the two drugs, actually stops HIV from being able to replicate and take hold within the body.