PhRESH Community Promise Stories

Ken

Ken has been taking Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), but not consistently, they also have some knowledge about PrEP and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), even if it isn’t necessarily accurate. Our PHRESH Interviewer is going to talk with them about what PrEP and PEP medication really does and assist in getting him his PrEP medication renewed.

Interviewer:  Good afternoon, Ken! Thanks for agreeing to do this interview! I see that you have been taking PrEP, that’s great!  I have some questions I’d like to ask you if that’s ok.

Ken: Sure!

Interviewer: Ok cool. Are you consistent with taking PrEP? Do you take your PrEP medication every day?

Ken: I take them every morning…well not every morning. Like every other morning.

Interviewer: So, you would say that you’re not as consistent, but try to be?

Ken: I do take them every other morning, I don’t why. But yeah, every other morning. One of my elders was telling me that it’s better to take them every other day than every day.

Interviewer: An elder told you this? But not a doctor. Ok. Well, this isn’t part of the question, but just to inform you- it is important that you take your PrEP meds every day. No one is perfect, but it would be better to take it 6 out 7 days a week than 2-3 days a week, you know?

Ken:  Yeah, I try to take it at about 7 or 8 am before I go to work

Interviewer: How do you stay consistent? What is your morning routine?

Ken: It’s just a remembrance thing, it becomes routine: you get up, shower, take you meds, get dressed, and start your day.

Interviewer: Oh ok cool, So what do you know about PrEP?

Ken: It’s used to prevent STIs. It’s like ‘Male birth control’ in my eyes (chuckles)

Interviewer: Ok, well quick note: It only prevents contracting HIV. When we say ‘STIs’ remember that PrEP doesn’t protect you from syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, etc. Meaning if you have sex with someone who may be HIV+ and nonadherent to their medications, if you are on PrEP, the chances of you contracting HIV are very slim. This is why it is important that you take your PrEP every day. A good option for things like STIs is DoxyPEP. Are you interested in getting DoxyPEP?

Ken:  Yes

Interviewer: Yes, I think that could be a great option for you. Next time you go pick up your meds, talk to your physician about DoxyPEP. Any other questions for me?

Ken: Yes, can you send me more information about DoxyPEP? I want to show my doctor this. Thanks!

Interviewer: Thanks, Ken! I’ll send that to you, and we will follow up again soon.