Interviewer: Hi, Matt! What’s made you think about taking PrEP?
Matt: Well, I am ready to start exploring different sexual activities, so I want to be safe. That’s why I want to start taking PrEP.
Interviewer: What are some things you know about PrEP?
Matt: I know that it can possibly prevent getting infected with HIV…
Interviewer: And you’re currently not taking PrEP, right?
Matt: No.
Interviewer: Ok, what other things about PrEP are you trying to gain? Like are you looking to gain more knowledge about it?
Matt: Yes
Interviewer: Ok, so you know what PrEP stands for right? It’s Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, what that means is- well the pill is called Truvada, and while that has been a treatment for those who have contracted HIV in the past, on the flipside, it is now being used to help prevent HIV infection in folks who are HIV-negative. Are you aware that there are other ways to take PrEP besides the pill?
Matt: I was not aware of that. What other ways?
Interviewer: One of the things we also have is Apretude, which is injected intramuscularly, or in one of the larger muscles in your body
Matt: Like in your butt cheek?
Interviewer: (Laughs) Yes, like in your butt cheek. The shot is once a month, and you’re good for 30 days. It’s for people who have busy schedule and can’t remember to take a pill everyday—
Matt: I take medication regularly every night, so that won’t be a problem taking it in pill form.
Interview: Oh ok cool, I just want to let you know you have other options, you know, just in case. I will always recommend PrEP as an option for safer sex methods. Since you’re ok with taking the pills, when would you normally take them?
Matt: At night, around 9pm
Interviewer: And when was the last time you were tested?
Matt: Probably July…what was [last] Friday, the 5th?
Interviewer: Yes. It was the 5th. Ok Matt, thanks so much! Let’s touch base again soon after you’ve decided about when you’ll start PrEP.
Matt: Ok, Thanks!