Started On Prep

[sexxxpigg]

So, after about 6 months of going back and forth and a lot of research I finally decided to go on PREP. I have been on it for 32 days now and have taken it daily.

 

I was terrified to start on this, but after mulling it over I decided with my behavior it wasnt a matter of "if" I became HIV  poz, but "when."  So, I went on it and have had no side effects at all. I got a major headache in the back of my head for a few days the 2nd/3rd week in, but they have subsided. Not even sure if it was due to the medication or not.  

 

But, I was very concerned about side effects and I can say I am pleasantly surprised I have none. Obviously time will tell how the body handles this on a regular basis over an extended time, but for now all things seem to be ok.

 

If you are thinking about going on it, it is a personal decision each has to make on their own.  I decided to do it and I am glad I did.

 

I am keeping track of my behavior to see if it gets worse or riskier, but honestly it really cant. I started taking loads bb and once I did that I knew I loved it and needed and wanted more. So, hopefully this big blue pill helps.

 

Id like to hear others that have gone on it recently to hear their stories.  This page and many others helped.  Do your research guys.  

[backpackguy]

Yup sexxx,

I've been on PrEP for the past 6 months w/no negative affects. Was tested at the 3 month mark as is required under CDC protocals - all STDs and HIV were neg. Also no adverse affects upon my kidneys/liver (blood tests). Have peace of mind when I let my inner pig free. 

[just_mike69]

Did you get PrEP from your regular Physican or did you get it from some other source ?

[sexxxpigg]

Just-Mike , I have a great relationship with my Primary Care Dr. I have always been very forth coming with him about what I do sexually.  I dont think going to a DR and lying is good. So, I told him I wanted to go on it. He hadnt even heard of it.  I had to tell him what it was about.  He looked into it and told me he has no problem with me going on it.  Insurance covers it.  He wrote me a prescription and I got it that day.  $35 co-pay per month. 

 

Not bad.

[sinfuljock]

Glad your experience has been as good as mine. It takes away a lot of worry. I have been doing things I wanted to before but was afraid to. 

[seaguy]

Thanks for sharing.  I blame the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and it's anti porn nut case head who runs things Michael Weinstein for spreading fear by running those ads trying to convince guys that PrEP is not and as Weinstein referred to it a "party drug".  hopefully true honest stories like yours will convince others to at least give it a try.  Anyone who listens to the AHF is an idiot, as long as Michael Weinstein is still in charge there.

[bearbandit]

Refreshing to read posts from guys who aren't experiencing side effects. The general rule with truvada is that side effects (if you're going to get them) will show up in the first couple of weeks, and the worst most people have to put up with is excessive wind (perhaps Weinstein meant to say that truvada was a farty drug?). It is important to keep up with the quarterly blood tests: any change in liver or kidney function should be investigated , and should you become the first person ever to get HIV while taking PrEP, you'd be taking a sub-standard drug regime which could lead to your virus becoming resistant to HIV.

Weinstein did a hell of a lot of damage, so much so that we feel it in the UK. Unfortunately the PROUD study didn't get the grant which would have allowed them to recruit another 2,500 men into the trial, but at least the success, so far, of the study has led to those in the "deferred" group being offered truvada earlier than planned. Were I HIV-, I'd have been on the train to the nearest trial site when it started. I'm convinced that the combination of PrEP with TasP (treatment as protection) is the way forwards...

[discreetmpls]

I started on PrEP two months ago and didn't have any side effects at all.  I also haven't yet bent over a barrel at the local bathhouse, as Weinstein suggested I might.  All the sex I've had since starting on PrEP has been oral, just like most of it was before.  I'm taking it more to let myself off the hook a bit, when I'm eventually drunk or stoned and do what comes naturally.  I never liked wearing condoms, and I HATE getting fucked by them - probably 90% of the anal sex I've had in my life was unsafe.  Now I don't have to feel guilty about it or scared every time I go in for HIV tests.

[sexxxpigg]

Just an update on this. I have been on PREP for 2.5 months now. After the first month I started tis thread to let others know that I have not had any of the side effects that some get.  Since that time I can say that the only side effect I can feel is constantly feeling tired.  Its like I cant get enough sleep.  I work 45 hours a week, hit the gym 4 times a week and eat well, but 8:00 PM is about the time I hit the sack every night these days.  I try to get sleep whenever I can. I have my 3 month check up in a few weeks to test liver and kidney. All seems ok, except the tired part.  Hopefully that gets better.  Sticking on it regardless.  

[rawfuckr]

Just an update on this. I have been on PREP for 2.5 months now. After the first month I started tis thread to let others know that I have not had any of the side effects that some get.  Since that time I can say that the only side effect I can feel is constantly feeling tired.  Its like I cant get enough sleep.  I work 45 hours a week, hit the gym 4 times a week and eat well, but 8:00 PM is about the time I hit the sack every night these days.  I try to get sleep whenever I can. I have my 3 month check up in a few weeks to test liver and kidney. All seems ok, except the tired part.  Hopefully that gets better.  Sticking on it regardless.  

 

Tiredness is supposed to be a side effect. I'm always short on sleep and have lots of problems falling asleep, but was that way before Truvada. But I've been taking vacations from it and just haven't noticed any difference when I'm on it or when I'm off. Maybe I really have no side effects.

[aoki]

I am going on 5 months.  The first two days I had some diarrhea, but it passed, and no sides since.  

BTW, go to truvada.com and check out Gilead's co-pay assistance.  I have a $30 co-pay but the card covers it.

[just_mike69]

I am happy to add to this thread. I started on truvada today. What a way to start the new year.

Will keep updates on progress.

[Guest]

Started on PrEP too. Waiting for the first 7-10 days before getting piggy feels longer than I imagined. However, happy to finally be on it.

[myDNA4u]

I've been on PrEP for a month.  One real side effects except the first couple of days a slightly upset stomach.  It has made a change in my sex life in that in the first time in 25 years I took raw dick in my ass from two different guys, both of whom are undetectable.  While there is part of me that wants to head to the bathhouse and jump on the fuckbench, I probably won't do it.

[just_mike69]

I have been on Prep for three months now. First hiv test on feb 28 still negative. I have been to the bathhouse twice and have taken multiple anon loads.

I have had no side effects from the meds.