Protects Healthy Cells from Contracting HIV
Available in Pill and Injection Form
Daily or Bi-monthly Dosage Options
PrEP Options
Reduce Your Risk of HIV up to 99% with PrEP
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) protects healthy cells from contracting HIV. You can take it as a daily pill or a bi-monthly injection — whichever option is best for your lifestyle. PrEP is available by prescription and recommended for people who are at high risk of HIV transmission. This includes people in a sexual relationship with someone who is HIV-positive, those who inject drugs, and those who engage in unprotected sex.
General PrEP Questions
PrEP is a medication, usually a combination of tenofovir and emtricitabine, that reduces the risk of HIV transmission. It works by blocking the virus's ability to replicate. PrEP is highly effective and can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by 99% when taken consistently. However, inconsistent use can lower its effectiveness to 60-70%. PrEP is even more effective when combined with other prevention strategies including condom use and regular testing.
Yes, PrEP is covered by most insurance plans, and we’re here to help you navigate yours. Talk to your navigator if you're concerned about the cost of PrEP.
PrEP patients should get tested for HIV every three months to ensure continual negative status. Additionally, they should have their kidney function checked every three months. Your doctor may recommend less frequent kidney testing after the first year. Regular STI testing is also recommended every three to six months as the medication does not protect against other STIs.
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Common Questions
PrEP Pill Questions
The PrEP pill is the most commonly prescribed version of the medication. There are several different kinds of PrEP pills you can take but they all work to protect you from HIV. The most widely used version is a combination of two antiretroviral drugs: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine. This formulation is often sold under the brand name Truvada but there are generic options available as well. Truvada has been approved for adults and adolescents of all genders who weigh at least 77 lbs. and are at risk of HIV transmission.
Descovy, a newer version of PrEP, is made using a similar combination of tenofovir (but a different formulation, tenofovir alafenamide) and emtricitabine, and is considered to have a potentially better safety profile for some individuals, especially in terms of kidney function. There are currently no generic options available for Descovy, and it is only approved for use by cisgender males and transgender women who weigh at least 77 lbs.
Taking PrEP is an excellent way to protect yourself if you are at high risk for HIV. Individuals who may benefit from taking PrEP include:
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Those with HIV-positive partners
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People with multiple sexual partners
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Those who have sex without condoms
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Individuals who have recently been diagnosed with another STI
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People living in high-risk areas
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Transgender individuals
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When adjusting to PrEP, some people may experience gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, diarrhea, cramping, and vomiting. Headache, fatigue, and changes in appetite can also be common side effects in the first few weeks of starting the medication. More severe and less common side effects include bone density loss, kidney and liver problems, allergic reactions such as rashes, and changes in mood or mental health. Your HIV/PrEP Program Coordinator can work with you to monitor your health and any side effects when taking PrEP.
To get a PrEP pill prescription, you can make an appointment at the clinic. Our HIV/PrEP Program Coordinators will work with you to discuss the process. To get on the PrEP pill and continue taking the pill, patients must complete two sets of labs per year.
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WHICH PrEP TREATMENT METHOD IS RIGHT FOR ME?
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Injectable PrEP (Apretude) Questions
Injectable PrEP is a bi-monthly shot that prevents HIV infection. This form of PrEP is created using a medication called cabotegravir (more commonly known by its brand name, Apretude), which is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI). Those on injectable PrEP receive the shot once every two months. They must also complete blood work 10-12 days prior to each injection.
Apretude is a good choice for those who may not want to take a daily pill and for those who struggle with remembering to take daily medications. Apretude provides long-lasting protection against HIV with fewer appointments and ongoing protection for one to two months at a time (depending on your dosing schedule). Those taking Apretude must remain above 77 lbs. while receiving injections.
Some common side effects of Apretude include:
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Swelling, redness, and pain at the injection site
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Headaches
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Fatigue
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Muscle and joint pain
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Fever
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Gastrointestinal issues
These side effects tend to subside over time. More serious side effects include liver problems, injection site infections, and allergic reactions. These side effects are less common.
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To start the Apretude injection, we require two regular appointments every two months. In addition to the injection appointment, one must attend a blood work appointment 10-12 days prior to the injection.
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Is your organization interested in hosting a sexual education class?
Contact HIV/PrEP Program Coordinator Gigi Walls at 317-497-3969.
