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Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective medication regimen used to prevent HIV infection. When taken as prescribed, PrEP significantly reduces the risk of HIV acquisition through sexual contact or injection drug use. Regular monitoring and follow-up with a healthcare provider are essential for individuals on PrEP, including HIV testing and assessment of potential side effects. From a public health standpoint, PrEP is a crucial component of efforts to achieve HIV elimination.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis is medicine that reduces your chances of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. Can stop HIV from spreading throughout your body. It is highly effective when is taken as prescribed.
PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV.
Reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed.
Although there is less information about how effective PrEP pills are among people who inject drugs, we know that pills reduce the risk of getting HIV by at least 74% when taken as prescribed. Currently, shots are not recommended for people who inject drugs.
PrEP is less effective when not taken as prescribed.
PrEP can be pills or shots.
There are two pills approved for use as PrEP: Truvada® and Descovy®.
Truvada® is for people at risk through sex or injection drug use.
Descovy® is for people at risk through sex. Descovy is not for people assigned female at birth who are at risk for HIV through receptive vaginal sex.
There is one shot approved for use as PrEP: Apretude
Apretude is the only shot approved for use. Apretude is for people at risk through sex who weigh at least 77 pounds (35 kg).
The shot is every two months, but after the first shot, you may need to take the second shot in a month. Then after, every two (2) months.
You can also switch from pills to shots. Ask your medical provider more about PrEP by pills or shot.
Some people experience side effects like diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain. These side effects usually go away over time.
Tell your health care provider about any side effects that are severe or do not go away.
Protects you against HIV but not against other sexually transmitted diseases as STD’s.
Yes, most insurance plans cover HIV prevention medication. Under the Affordable Care Act, this medication must be included under almost all health insurance plans.
If you don’t have insurance or medical coverage, there are other programs that can assist with receiving medication for HIV prevention. Our Care Managers can guide you through the process. Please contact us, and we will help you secure the treatment you need.