Your Guide to PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

One of the most powerful tools available for HIV prevention.

What is PrEP?

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is a medicine that people who are at risk of getting HIV can take to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. The medicine works by stopping HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body.

It's important to remember that PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia, so using condoms is still important for overall sexual health.

How Effective Is It?

When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective.

  • PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%.
  • Among people who inject drugs, it reduces the risk by at least 74%.

The key to its effectiveness is consistency. PrEP is much less effective if it is not taken as prescribed.

A person holding a PrEP pill, representing daily HIV prevention.

Is PrEP Right for You?

PrEP is for people who are HIV-negative but are at a high risk of getting HIV. You should consider PrEP if:

You have an HIV-positive sexual partner, especially if their viral load is unknown or detectable.

You don't consistently use condoms during sex with partners whose HIV status is unknown.

You have been diagnosed with an STI in the past 6 months.

You inject drugs and share needles, syringes, or other drug equipment.

The best way to know if PrEP is right for you is to talk to a doctor.

Find a PrEP Provider

Types of PrEP

Daily Oral Pills

This is the most common form of PrEP. There are two main FDA-approved options: Truvada and Descovy. You take one pill every day to maintain a high level of protection.

  • Pros: Long history of effectiveness, widely available.
  • Cons: Requires daily adherence.

Long-Acting Injections

An injectable form of PrEP, Apretude, is also available. After initial starter injections, you receive one injection from your healthcare provider every two months.

  • Pros: More convenient than daily pills for some people.
  • Cons: Requires regular clinic visits for injections.

How to Get Started with PrEP: A 4-Step Guide

1

Talk to a Doctor

Discuss your sexual health and risk factors with a healthcare provider to see if PrEP is a good fit for you.

2

Get Tested

Before you start PrEP, you must have an HIV test to confirm you are HIV-negative. Your doctor will also test for STIs and check your kidney function.

3

Get a Prescription

Your doctor will prescribe the type of PrEP that is best for you. Many programs can help with the cost if you don't have insurance.

4

Follow-up

You will need to visit your doctor every 2-3 months for follow-up HIV tests, STI screenings, and prescription refills.

Common Questions About PrEP

Some people experience side effects like nausea, headaches, or fatigue when they first start PrEP, but these usually go away within a few weeks. More serious side effects, like effects on kidney function, are rare but are monitored by your doctor during follow-up visits.

Most insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover PrEP. For people without insurance, there are medication assistance programs that can help lower or even eliminate the cost of the medicine and clinical visits.

You should always talk to your doctor before stopping or restarting PrEP. While some on-demand or event-driven PrEP strategies exist, they require specific medical guidance to be effective and safe. Do not change your PrEP routine without consulting a healthcare professional.