PrEP: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
PrEP is a daily medication that reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by up to 99% when taken as prescribed.
PrEP is a daily medication that reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by up to 99% when taken as prescribed.
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine that people at risk for HIV take to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. When taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and from injection drug use by at least 74%.
PrEP is recommended for HIV-negative adults and adolescents who are at substantial risk for HIV. According to the CDC's PrEP guidelines, you should talk to your healthcare provider about PrEP if you:
Use: Daily oral pill for adults at risk through sex or injection drug use
Generic versions available, significantly reducing cost
Use: Daily oral pill for adults and adolescents at risk through sex (not for people assigned female at birth who are at risk from receptive vaginal sex)
May have fewer kidney and bone side effects than Truvada
Use: Long-acting injectable PrEP given every 2 months after two initial monthly injections
First injectable PrEP option; highly effective and eliminates need for daily pills
Ask your doctor, nurse practitioner, or other healthcare provider about PrEP. You can also visit a sexual health clinic, community health center, or Planned Parenthood.
Before starting PrEP, you'll need to test negative for HIV and have kidney function tests. Your provider may also test for other STIs, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
If PrEP is right for you, your provider will prescribe it. Most insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover PrEP with no out-of-pocket costs under the ACA.
For daily oral PrEP, take your medication every day. For injectable PrEP (Apretude), keep your injection appointments every 2 months.
See your provider every 3 months for HIV testing, STI screening, kidney function tests, and prescription refills.
Under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans must cover PrEP with no out-of-pocket costs. If you don't have insurance, State PrEP Assistance Programs provide PrEP at no cost to eligible individuals.
Gilead's Advancing Access program also offers co-pay assistance for Truvada and Descovy.