Procedure for prescribing PrEP and PEP for HIV in Plovdiv

This message is a quote from the website ivor.bg

At the end of last year, IVOR was the first organization to share the news about PrEP – the HIV prevention pill - being available in Bulgaria. Soon after it was announced, questions began such as ‘where and how do I get a prescription for PrEP?’ or ‘my GP does not know how to prescribe PrEP, who can I turn to?’

We rush to inform you about two new breakthroughs:

I. Plovdiv has a procedure for prescribing PrEP

When? Monday-Friday 8:00-12:00

Address? Peshtersko Shose 66, Clinic for Infectious Diseases, UMBAL St George

Where? Administration building. Acquired Immune Deficiency Office

Contact? Tel.: (032) 602 746

(032) 602 748

(032) 602 989

Head of the clinic – Prof. Dr. Mariana Stoycheva-Vartigova

II. There is now a regulated procedure for prescription of PEP in Bulgaria.

At the same place, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) against HIV is also prescribed. PEP must be taken no later than 72 hours after an unsafe sexual contact.

Why is all this important?

Purely based on location, Plovdiv is at the center of Bulgaria and is easily accessed. In the clinic for infectious diseases, the doctors are infectious disease specialists – the most appropriate type of specialist in relation to HIV and PrEP or PEP intake. Plovdiv is one of the three cities in Bulgaria where there are pharmacies selling PeEP and PEP. The other two are Sofia and Varna.

What is PrEP?

This is the pill which effectively protects from HIV infection and it can be taken ‘just in case’ by gay/bi men. The scheme is approved by the World Health Organization

• 2 pills are taken at the same time 2 to 24 hours before sex

• 1 pill is taken 24 hours after the double dose

• 1 pill is taken 48 hours after the double dose

What is PEP?

HIV prevention pill the intake of which must start no later than 72 hours after an unsafe sexual contact (without a condom or PrEP and/or with a clear knowledge that the sexual intercourse was had with an HIV-positive person who has not reached an undetectable viral load). After the initial taking of PEP, the preventive therapy should continue every day for one month.

Disclaimer:

• This article aims to provide information on options for preventing HIV and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. The IVOR Foundation has no conflict of interest with importers of PrEP and PEP in Bulgaria or the pharmacies selling it and is not responsible for any patient behavior.