PrEP Position Statement

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Franzy

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is presented as a preventive strategy to reduce HIV transmission by enabling HIV-negative individuals to take Truvada as directed. The statement emphasizes that effective use must be paired with risk-reduction counseling, consistent condom use, and regular HIV testing, while noting PrEP does not protect against other STIs. It explains why the community is taking a position now due to Canada’s approval status and off-label prescribing, and outlines concerns and priorities regarding access, potential effects on sexual behavior, and implications for people living with HIV.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

What is PrEP?

Why do we feel the need to take position on this issue now?

What is our position?

On access to PrEP

On PrEP’s impact on sexual behaviour

On PrEP’s implications for people living with HIV

2075 Plessis, Montréal (Québec) H2L 2Y4 T 514 529 9462 F 514-527 0701 [E](E info@accmontreal.org)[ info@accmontreal.org](E info@accmontreal.org) WHAT IS PREP? PrEP (Pre-‐Exposure Prophylaxis) is a method of reducing HIV transmission that involves HIV-‐negative people preventatively taking Truvada, an antiretroviral medication normally used to treat HIV. When taken as directed, PrEP has proven to be a beneficial prevention tool for reducing HIV transmission rates. However, its makers recommend that PrEP be combined with risk reduction counseling, consistent and correct use of condoms, and regular HIV testing. An individual taking PrEP needs to be aware if they’ve contracted HIV because they will require more than Truvada for adequate treatment or the virus could quickly adapt and become resistant to medication. PrEP does not prevent the transmission of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the presence of an STI could decrease the effectiveness of PrEP so it is important to get tested regularly and follow treatments as prescribed. WHY DO WE FEEL THE NEED TO TAKE POSITION ON THIS ISSUE NOW? Truvada is currently not approved as PrEP in Canada but an application has been submitted to Health Canada and it is currently prescribed off-‐label by certain physicians. ACCM feels that it is important to inform our communities that PrEP is an option for HIV prevention. We wish to help shape public discourse, as well as encourage critical reflection so that we can contribute to our communities’ preparedness and help people make informed decisions. We feel that discourse around PrEP should seek to unpack the issues at play rather than simply polarize opinions into opposing camps of supporters and detractors. We believe that there are ways to advocate for PrEP while also avoiding unquestioned endorsement without analysis around the various implications the intervention has for public health. By releasing this document, we seek to position ourselves on some of the most crucial arguments and encourage our community to think through these issues and engage in a public conversation that will ultimately build our community preparedness and help shape our response to PrEP. WHAT IS OUR POSITION? ON ACCESS TO PrEP • We affirm a person’s right to self-‐determination over their health and likewise believe that under no circumstances should anyone be pressured or forced into using PrEP nor dissuaded from taking it if they feel it is the right decision for them. • While we support the continued and increased availability of PrEP for men who have sex with men (MSM), we believe PrEP should be made more accessible to all people at risk of HIV transmission. • A PrEP prescription currently costs between $900 and $980 per month1 in Quebec and although it can be accessed through RAMQ or a private drug plan for around $85 a month, this cost may still be prohibitively expensive for many. • Acquiring a prescription for PrEP will likely require a consultation with a physician accustomed to dealing with HIV issues and we are concerned that this may limit PrEP accessibility for people living outside of large urban centres or for people who do not have a physician who is adequately informed about PrEP. 1 At time of publishing (November 2015) 2075 Plessis, Montréal (Québec) H2L 2Y4 T 514 529 9462 F 514-527 0701 [E](E info@accmontreal.org)[ info@accmontreal.org](E info@accmontreal.org) • We acknowledge that people with prescriptions for Truvada who are in difficult financial situations may sell their medication as PrEP, leaving them without adequate HIV treatment • We are also concerned that interprovincial bureaucracy around access to medication could cause poor adherence rates for visitors and temporary residents of Quebec, and we are troubled by the fact that PrEP is not being made available to those who do not have access to health insurance and/or legal citizenship but who are at risk for HIV transmission. ON PrEP’S IMPA

FAQs

What is PrEP and how does it work to prevent HIV transmission?

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a method of reducing HIV transmission by having HIV-negative people take Truvada preventatively as directed. When used as directed, it helps reduce HIV transmission rates but requires accompanying prevention steps.

Why does the document take a position on PrEP now?

Truvada is not yet approved as PrEP in Canada, though applications have been submitted and some physicians prescribe it off-label. The document aims to inform communities, encourage critical reflection, and foster a public conversation grounded in public health implications.

What concerns and principles does the statement raise about access to PrEP?

It affirms self-determination and rejects pressure or discouragement around PrEP use. It also highlights affordability barriers, potential limitations based on access to physicians, risks of medication selling in financial hardship, and worries about bureaucracy and eligibility constraints for uninsured or non-citizen residents.

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Franzy