Wilton Manors, FL – Last week, a crucial meeting was held at The Pride Center at Equality Park. The parking lot was filled with a plethora of cars, and finding a seat was almost impossible.

First and foremost, PrEP is not the same as PEP. PrEP, a pre-exposure prophylaxis, is used as a preventative measure for people who are risk of contracting HIV. It is meant to be used consistently, as opposed to PEP, which is meant to be taken within 72 hours of a possible (or definite) exposure to the virus. PrEP is not meant to be taken by someone who is HIV positive.

One myth discussed was that PrEP simply “doesn’t work.” This is apparently a common concern, but the panelists for the event (which included a pharmaceutical rep for PrEP, two doctors, a social services manager and a man who has been taking the pill for an extended amount of time) were quick to provide the statistics.

There has been a reported 99 percent success rate against the virus when taking PrEP consistently, and 90 percent if the person uses the drug 4 times a week (as opposed to daily). The side effects reported so far have been minimal, with most cases diminishing or vanishing completely over time.

“For the first week or two, I felt a little bloated, like I was full, but that was it,” said Robbie, a participant in the study.

Another myth discussed was that PrEP might not be readily available. Panelists told the attendees that they are in fact able to obtain the pill from their primary doctor via prescription. Though most health care programs cover PrEP, the sticker price is a whopping $1800 per month.

A PrEP Demo performed in Miami is ongoing, with subjects receiving treatment until the end of the year this year. Videos were turned off during this portion of the discussion as the results for the Miami demo have yet to be published. (It’s important to know that the drug was first administered in 2012, so long-term results have yet to be determined.)

A Q&A portion of the evening gave locals the opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns. While most consisted of worries about whether the drug could interfere with other prescription drugs, one concern wasn’t being voiced.

“Are there any concerns that the virus may become resistant to the drug over time?” we asked.

A pharmaceutical rep informed us that while the studies are ongoing, there has been no evidence thus far that implies that the virus would mutate and become resistant to the drug.

As the studies are ongoing (and very recent) there are still many unanswered questions. For now, South Florida residents will have to use their own judgement (and advice from a doctor) to decide whether PrEP is right for them.

For more in PrEP, visit the Center for Disease Control’s official page for the pill at www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prep.html