PrEP

What Is PrEP?

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medicine that you can take to help prevent the transmission of HIV. It’s usually prescribed as a pill that you can take daily by mouth. PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection through sexual contact by preventing HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body.

Why Take PrEP?

PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV when taken as indicated.

PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed. Among people who inject drugs, it reduces the risk by at least 74% when taken as prescribed. PrEP is much less effective when it isn’t taken consistently.

Who Should Take PrEP?

PrEP is for HIV-negative individuals who:

Are in a relationship with an HIV-infected partner
Are gay, bisexual or heterosexual and aren’t in a monogamous relationship, but may have high-risk partners (injection drug users or bisexual with unknown HIV status)
Inject drugs and share needles or other equipment

You may choose to take PrEP even if the behaviors above don’t apply to you. Talk to your health care provider.

If you have a partner with HIV and are considering getting pregnant, talk to your doctor about PrEP. PrEP may be an option to help protect you and your baby from getting HIV while you try to get pregnant, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding.

Are You Ready For PrEP?

Does PrEP Protect Against STIs?

No. PrEP does not protect you or your partner from spreading other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is used to prevent only HIV infection. In addition, PrEP will not prevent women from becoming pregnant.

If you are concerned about other for sexually transmitted infections, visit you nearest health department for testing and treatment.

How Do You Take PrEP?

PrEP is a very simple medicine to take. We prescribe Truvada, a name-brand PrEP medicine.

Step 1: Visit your local health department to get tested to make sure you’re HIV-negative.
Step 2: Speak with the nurse to determine if PrEP is right for you.
Step 3: Once prescribed, take Truvada once a day.
Step 4: See your health care provider at 3- and 6-month intervals to make sure you’re doing well. Some bloodwork is necessary during follow-up visits.

Does PrEP Have Side Effects?

PrEP is safe to take. Some people experience side effects like diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain. These side effects usually go away over time. However, you should talk to your health care provider about any side effects that are severe or do not go away.

How Can I Get PrEP?

PrEP is a prescription-only medicine, so you should make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you think you’re a good candidate for this medicine. Find a health department near you that prescribes PrEP medicines and make appointment to learn more.

Is PrEP Covered By Insurance?

Yes, in most cases, the cost of PrEP medication and services are covered by health insurance plans, Medicaid, and Medicare with no out-of-pocket costs.

Under the Affordable Care Act, PrEP is free under almost all health insurance plans. PrEP is a preventive service and should be covered without charging you a co-payment or co-insurance. This is true even if you haven’t met your yearly deductible. That means you can’t be charged for your PrEP medication, the clinic visits to see your health care provider, and lab tests you need to get and maintain your prescription. There are no out-of-pocket costs for you.

This applies to most private health insurance plans you get through your employer or purchase yourself and individual plans you purchase through HealthCare.gov or state-based Marketplaces. It also applies to state Medicaid expansion coverage plans, including the Basic Health Plans. In many states, the traditional Medicaid program also covers PrEP at no charge.