About PrEP

About PrEP

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. PrEP is a medication taken by people who don’t have HIV, but who are at elevated risk of getting infected. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is very effective (estimated 99%) at preventing HIV infection.

What is PrEP? 

There are several approved PrEP regimens: you have choices to prevent HIV! These include daily pills, injections every two months, injections every six months, and the option of taking pills as needed, also called on-demand or 2-1-1 PrEP. You should talk to your doctor to determine which PrEP regimen is right for you. 

How effective is PrEP? 

When taken as prescribed (daily pill or injections), PrEP is estimated to provide at least 99% protection against HIV infection for sexual transmission among men who have sex with men. PrEP also has demonstrated efficacy in protection against HIV transmission for injection drug users and for heterosexual men and women. PrEP does not protect you from other STDs. 

Is PrEP for me? 

The federal guidelines recommend considerations for prescribing PrEP. Any of the following make you a good candidate for PrEP: 

  • If you think you would benefit from PrEP, you are eligible
  • If are in a sexual relationship with a person of unknown HIV status and you don’t regularly use condoms 
  • If you are in a sexual relationship with an HIV-positive person, whether or not you consistently use condoms 
  • If you are in a sexual relationship with a person that you know is at risk for exposure to HIV (such as someone who injects drugs or has sex with other people besides you) 
  • If you are male and have anal sex with men without condoms 
  • If you inject drugs 
  • If you’ve recently had a sexually transmitted infection, such as gonorrhea or syphilis 
  • If you have an HIV-positive partner and are considering getting pregnant 
What are the side effects and safety? 

PrEP is generally well-tolerated. For those who take oral PrEP, about 40% of patients may experience minor side-effects in the first month, such as upset stomach, but for most patients these symptoms resolve within 1-2 months. The most common side effects for injectable PrEP are pain at injection site, upset stomachs, headaches, and fatigue. Most people taking PrEP do not experience substantial side effects, although it is important to have your doctor monitor for rare instances of kidney function problems, which can be easily resolved. In terms of safety, one study has estimated oral PrEP is as safe as aspirin. 

How do I get PrEP? 

Using the search in PrEP Locator, enter your zip code or address to search for a clinic near you where you can get a PrEP prescription. Talk to a health care provider at one of the clinics to find out if PrEP is right for you. 

How do I pay for PrEP? 

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. PrEP is a medication taken by people who don’t have HIV, but who are at elevated risk of getting infected. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is very effective (estimated 99%) at preventing HIV infection.

Where can I find resources about PrEP? 

Click on the links below for more information about PrEP. 

https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/about/index.html

http://men.prepfacts.org/the-basics/ 

Explain Filters

Injectable PrEP – Injectable cabotegravir PrEP (Apretude) requires injection visits every two months and injectable lenacapavir PrEP (Yeztugo) requires visits every six months. Both are over 99% effective.

PrEP for uninsured – Clinics prescribe PrEP for individuals who do not have insurance.

Telemedicine – Nationwide companies that perform fully remote PrEP provision – virtual consultations, at-home laboratory testing, and at-home medication delivery.

Same-day oral PrEP start – Receive a PrEP prescription the same day as your appointment.

Accepts walk-ins – No appointment needed, just walk in during specified hours.

Avg. wait time < 3 days – Wait to schedule an appointment averages less than 3 days.

Doxy-PEP – Doxy-PEP is an antibiotic taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex to reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. Doxy-PEP does not protect against HIV.

PrEP financial navigation – A staff member works with patients to navigate complex payment options to make it easier to get PrEP and minimize out of pocket costs.