Getting started with Freddie

What is Freddie?

Freddie is an end-to-end HIV prevention program that provides PrEP to patients who are at a high risk of acquiring HIV. This is done by providing free access to Freddie's care team virtually, and treatment conveniently delivered to a patient’s door (or pick-up, if requested).

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What is PrEP?

PrEP is short for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis, a once-per-day pill that reduces the risk of contracting HIV by up to 99%. The only brand name PrEP drug approved in Canada is called Truvada (drug combination of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300mg and emtricitabine 200mg) with several generic equivalents also on the market.

The Freddie Journey

How does PrEP work?

The two medications that are in Truvada (tenofovir and emtricitabine) block the pathways that are used to initiate the HIV infection. PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. The use of condoms is encouraged to prevent other STIs. Additionally, PrEP does not prevent pregnancy. It takes 7 days for PrEP to be effective in rectal tissue; 21 days in vaginal tissue.

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How do I take PrEP?

• You take one tablet every day, ideally at the same time. Try to link taking your medication with a daily habit (brushing your teeth, making coffee, etc).  You can also set an alarm on your phone or download the MyPrEP app.
• Truvada can be taken with or without food.
• Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Freddie provider or pharmacist if you need clarification or have questions on how to take PrEP.
• Please book your follow-up laboratory investigations (bloodwork) and appointments with enough time to ensure that you do not run out of your medications.

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What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is less than 12 hours until your next dose. If it is less than 12 hours to your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosing schedule. Do not double dose if you’ve forgotten a dose. This may increase the likelihood of a side effect without giving you any additional benefit.

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What are the side effects of PrEP?

You may experience the following side effects:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Decreased appetite
• Increased flatulence
• Abdominal discomfort
  

Side effects are transient and usually resolve during the first few weeks of taking PrEP. At your one month follow up and every 3 months following, we will discuss how you are tolerating PrEP. Please contact your Freddie provider if you find that the side effects are severe or if they are not going away. We are here to support you!

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I am transgender. Can I still take PrEP?

Yes! There are no known drug interactions between PrEP and the medications used in gender-affirming hormone therapy.

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How do I pay for PrEP?

The cost of PrEP depends on your province. Most people in Alberta and Saskatchewan qualify for free provincial coverage of PrEP. In Ontario, people under 24 years old and younger qualify for free provincial coverage. For those in Ontario who are 25 years old and above, PrEP is free or low cost through Freddie’s unique financial assistance programs. We will help you find the cheapest option! You can learn more about coverage and how much you will pay for PrEP here. In Quebec, there is a cost associated with PrEP for both privately insured patients and those on RAMQ. Due to Quebec law, we cannot provide any assistance for the cost of your medication. Freddie does not serve provinces outside of Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Quebec but we have plans to launch in the coming months!

What kind of follow up is involved?

The following table outlines the lab testing schedule that is required for PrEP (both at Freddie or through in-person clinics). Certain tests are repeated—creatinine, STIs, HIV—to make sure that PrEP is still the correct course of treatment.

What happens after I complete my lab tests?

Once you complete your lab tests, we will wait to receive the results in our Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system. If it takes longer than expected, we will follow-up with the lab to expedite the process. We encourage you to let us know when you have completed your tests so we can follow-up in a timely manner. Here is a breakdown of how long it can typically take before we receive your results:

• Up to 2-3 weeks in Ontario
• Up to 1.5 weeks in Alberta
• Up to 2 weeks in Saskatchewan
• Up to 3 weeks in Quebec

These timelines consider the delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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How do I stop PrEP?

It is recommended that you speak to your provider if you are choosing to stop PrEP as this does require some planning and direction. To safely transition off, health guidelines require you to complete 28 more days of treatment for your own safety. Please speak to your provider if you would like to stop PrEP. We can provide you with a final 28 day prescription, and you'll be all good to go.

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Who can I speak to if I ever have any questions?

We are always here to help! Here are some ways you can get in touch with us:

• Have a general question or just want to have a friendly conversation? Contact your Care Coordinator. Alternatively, you can send us a text / call us at 437-747-7584, or email us at support@gofreddie.com.
• Have any medical questions that you would like answered by a Freddie provider? Book an appointment at your earliest convenience.

Want to share your lab status with us? Send us a secure message on the Freddie patient portal.

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What is the Patient Portal?

The patient portal is the main platform of communication between patients and providers. You can access the portal through our website, or by going to app.gofreddie.com. Log in with your email and password to download lab requisition forms, access secure messages, or update your profile. There is no app or software to download when accessing the patient portal. All communication is privacy compliant and encrypted.

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Who am I speaking to?

Our team of medical office administrators and Care Coordinators are more than happy to answer any questions along your Freddie journey.