Witkoppen Clinic rolls out new 6-month HIV prevention injection
The clinic is set to expand its HIV prevention services with the new long-acting injectable option that could strengthen protection for people at risk, including the LGBTQ+ community.
A new HIV prevention injection, which only needs to be administered twice a year, could make it easier for people at risk of contracting HIV to protect themselves.
According to Sophie Muroa, a post-basic pharmacy assistant at Witkoppen Clinic, Lenacapavir is an antiviral medicine recommended for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents weighing at least 35kg.
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Murrow said the injection is designed for people who are HIV negative, but may be at risk of contracting the virus. She explained that the treatment begins with a subcutaneous injection, administered just under the skin, along with tablets taken on days one and two.
She said the introduction of Lenacapavir does not mean the end of oral PrEP, which has been widely used to prevent HIV infection.
“People who are on oral PrEP will continue taking their tablets religiously. Lenacapavir is meant for new cases of people testing negative to HIV.”
As with any medication, healthcare workers are encouraging patients to be aware of possible side effects, and seek medical attention if they experience anything unusual.
“For any unusual incident, being a rash on the injection site or very dark urine, please consult healthcare professionals to rule out any unwanted effect.”
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She strongly supports the use of the injection among eligible individuals, saying the injection offers another tool in the fight against HIV by helping reduce the risk of infection among vulnerable groups.
The injection can be taken by HIV-negative adults and adolescents who meet the weight requirement, including pregnant women, lactating mothers, sex workers, truck drivers, and members of the LGBTQ community.
Cleopatra Fothane, the clinics’ marketing officer, said the prevention is free. “No charge for the injection, only the consultation per current processing fees.”
Witkoppen Clinic is a non-profit organisation (NPO) that provides comprehensive, affordable, and high-quality primary healthcare and social welfare services to residents in northern Johannesburg.
The clinic relies on donors. To donate please visit https://witkoppen.org.za/donors-partners/donate-here/
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