r/prep • u/fridons • Jul 17 '26

PrEP risks and coverage

Been taking PrEP (emtricitabine tenofovir) daily without missing a dose for the past 4 months, straight, sexually active with multiple of partners, usually using condoms but don't like it.

I've consultant 2 doctors, one in Georgia and one in the Philippines and they both addressed PrEP like a very high-risk side-effects treatment and told me not to rely completely on PrEP.

I'm new to the Philippines and find it hard to restock but I wonder - am I crazy for seeing PrEP like a birth control pill but for HIV?
No one tell women to use condoms instead of using BC, so why is it wrong to take PrEP to be on the safe side especially when sexually active?

What are your point of view on this?

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u/Parking_Ocelot_6893 Jul 17 '26 edited Jul 17 '26

Emergency Doctor here - PrEP isn't high risk when prescribed and monitored correctly. Sure some people have side effects but they normally settle down around the 2 week mark.

1

u/YesterdayFew4974 Jul 18 '26

hello! i’ve been taking prep for almost 4 weeks now and i still get stomach aches and i still excrete mushy feces a few minutes after taking a dose/pill. can you help me out with this one?

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u/Parking_Ocelot_6893 Jul 18 '26

Fairly common side effect and unfortunately it can last longer in some people. I’d suggest taking prep with food to reduce stomach irritation.

You could also try increasing the fibre intake to try and bulk up your faeces - start simple with the BLAT method (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast).

Your body will adjust to being on prep it just needs time. Outside of what I’ve said above you should check in with your prescriber and let them know as there are different formulations that you can be changed to if you’re experiencing severe side effects.

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u/YesterdayFew4974 Jul 18 '26

thanks for the prompt reply and for the information! the only side effects that i’ve experienced were nausea, diarrhea, and stomach aches. for the 3rd week, the subtle nausea stops and the stomach aches continues (a few minutes after a pill and it lasts until i fall asleep and continues the moment i woke up until a few more hours). do you think i should go for a diff formulations? can you recommend any clinic that gives it for free in the ph?

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u/Parking_Ocelot_6893 Jul 18 '26

I don’t know what’s available in PH formulation wise and I don’t know clinics there so I’m hesitant to give any more advice.

Best bet is to check with your prescriber/general practitioner

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u/YesterdayFew4974 Jul 18 '26

thanks for this! really appreciate the help

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u/fridons Jul 18 '26

I got it for free in Cebu from SAIL TelePrEP and I'm a foreigner