USPSTF

USPSTF: At-risk patients should take PrEP to prevent HIV infection

August 25, 2023

On August 22, 2023, the USPSTF published its final statement on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of HIV: Based on it's review of the evidence, healthcare professionals are advised to prescribe PrEP to people at increased risk for HIV.

• PrEP is a safe, highly effective way to help prevent HIV in people who do not have HIV but are at increased risk of contracting it. To determine risk, healthcare professionals need to talk with all patients about their sexual history and ask about injection drug activities.
• There are now three FDA-approved PrEP medications in the U.S.—two are pills, and one is an injection. PrEP is most effective when taken as prescribed. The Task Force encourages healthcare professionals to advise patients who are on PrEP to continue taking it as prescribed.
• Black and Hispanic/Latino patients are more likely to be diagnosed with HIV yet have much lower rates of PrEP use than White patients. The Task Force is calling for more research on how to reduce barriers in communities most impacted by HIV.

Source:

USPSTF Bulletin. (2023, August 22). Task Force Issues Final Recommendation Statement on PrEP for HIV Prevention. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/sites/default/files/file/supporting_documents/hivprep-bulletin.pdf