There are many ways HIV can spread: through blood, semen, vaginal and rectal fluids, breast milk. PrEP is the drug that helps prevent the contraction of HIV. Currently, there’s an opioid epidemic throughout the US, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended PrEP for injection drug users (IVDU). So let’s talk about why.

According to the CDC, “Eight percent of the estimated 50,000 new HIV infections in the United States in 2010 were attributed to injection-drug use. Research has shown that both injection-drug use and sexual practices of IDUs put them at risk for getting HIV.”

When risky sexual health behaviors collide with IV drug use, the chances of HIV infection can increase. Sharing syringes and injection equipment increases the potential to contract HIV and/ or other infections (like Hep-C). When you use a needle, there’s no way to prevent the needle from getting blood on it. If you use a needle that someone else used, you inject some of their blood into your veins (even if you’re shooting directly into muscle). If their blood has HIV in it, then there’s a strong possibility that it will infect whoever uses the needle next.

In addition to taking PrEP, using new, sterile needles is another way to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV. Two places in Cleveland offer needle exchange programs. Both locations offer one-to-one programs—this is when you turn in your used needle in exchange for a new one.

Location one: Circle Health Services

12201 Euclid Avenue

Location two: Exchange van at HUMADAOP

                        3303 W. 25^th Street

Click here for more programs in Ohio and across the nation, courtesy of the Northern America Syringe Exchange Network.

And just a reminder, even while taking PrEP, condom use is suggested to also help with HIV prevention and other STIs. No matter your sexual orientation: Gay, bisexual, Trans, or Hetero, if you participate in injection drug use, you may be at a higher risk for acquiring HIV, and PrEP is a good option.

As for PrEP cost and associated fees, there are many programs available to assist you with getting prepared. Most often paying $0 for your prescription! Click here to learn more about PrEP assistance programs.

Here’s a link to learn more about what the CDC trials concluded and what’s next for PrEP and IVDU: https://www.hiv.gov/blog/cdc-recommends-prep-for-injection-drug-users

Also, for addiction resources in Ohio, please visit here: https://mha.ohio.gov/

There’s help and hope out there, and everyone deserves quality healthcare. ☺️

Have more PrEP questions?

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