Throwaway account for privacy reasons.
I want to start taking on-demand PrEP.
I’ve seen ads of several private clinics offering it but I also found this link saying (if I understand correctly) you can buy it online and import it by yourself.
Any experience with getting PrEP? Any recommendations or anything I should watch out or be aware of?
Thanks in advance.
EDIT: I live in Tokyo.
2 comments
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Hello.
I get on-demand prep from a clinic in Shinjuku. I know of others who import. There are different brands, and I suspect different brands will have different reactions with the body.
As far as I know (I am not a doctor), prep has the possibility to damage the kidneys. Furthermore, my clinic test for HIV (I assume to prevent variants) and hep B (can’t remember why). If you have these or kidney issues, prep is a no-no.
So while importing could be cheaper, I like knowing my kidneys are OK.
I’m actually considering switching to daily prep. First cos it makes me feel slightly nauseous but I’m now at a point where this nausea is ruining my day (different people get different symptoms, and have to confirm this, but imagine daily to be less symptom-causing). On demand required at least two hours to kick in, but if then later the guy cancels, I’ve given myself nausea for nothing. I also had one time where I got depressed and completely forgot to take a pill the second day. I don’t need scares like that again. At least with daily prep forgetting one day isn’t as big a deal. I am worried that what I pay for once every three months will turn into a monthly thing. And I don’t get that much sex anyway. So still gotta think things through.
One thing I’ve encountered is that foreigners can be a bit shitty with their expectations because they assume it’s covered by insurance. Nope, I pay 11000 yen for one bottle.
As for clinics, I was referred to mine by the National AIDS hospital where I get my STI tests done. the only clinics I’ve heard about are in Shinjuku, Gotanda, Shibuya and maybe Ueno? But get a recommendation from something with decent credentials (rather than, just say, a local doctor).
Lastly, prep deals with HIV. You are not protected from the other array of STIs out there (there are vaccinations for Hep A/B and HPV, but you carry the cost for each shot/booster). So play accordingly 