Belgian 2024 guidance on the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to develop a guidance on the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV tailored to the Belgian context.

Methods: Different aspects of PrEP care were judged by an expert group of nine Belgian clinicians, seeking consensus for areas of controversies.

Results: PrEP should be considered in HIV negative patients at high risk of acquiring HIV. Currently, only oral tenofovir/emtricitabine is available in Belgium for PrEP, which can be used daily, or also event-driven in cisgender men and trans women who are not taking exogenous estradiol-based hormones. Personal counselling directed at medication adherence and sexual health should have a central role in PrEP care. At the initial assessment clinicians should give attention to symptoms of an acute HIV infection, the patients' immunization status and renal function. A regular follow-up must be set up to diagnose HIV seroconversion, treat sexually transmitted infections, and manage side effects of PrEP.

Conclusion: The Belgian guidance on the use of PrEP provides a point of reference for standard PrEP care in Belgium and will be periodically updated.

Keywords: HIV; guidance; pre-exposure prophylaxis.