What you need to know about PrEP

PrEP is short for pre-exposure prophylaxis. Here are a few things to know about PrEP.

PrEP is for people who don’t have HIV but who may be at high risk of becoming infected—especially gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, and particularly those who have anal sex without a condom. PrEP is also recommended for anyone who has an HIV-positive partner. PrEP isn’t for people who are HIV-positive.

There are currently two options for PrEP: a once-daily pill or an injectable medication.
Once-daily pill: There are two pills available under the trademarks Truvada® and Descovy®. There are also generic versions of Truvada® available in the United States. Talk to your healthcare provider about what is right for you.

Injectable: On 12/20/21 the FDA approved Apretude, a long-acting injectable form of PrEP. The injectable, also known by its generic name cabotegravir, is an alternative to daily pills for HIV prevention.

It must be administered—that is, injected into your buttocks—by a healthcare provider once a month for the first two months and then once every other month after that (or 6 times a year).

PrEP is available only by prescription. A doctor must prescribe PrEP. You can’t get it over the counter.

PrEP is covered by most health insurance plans. If you have health insurance, the cost of PrEP is usually covered with no out-of-pocket costs.  If you don’t have insurance, or you are on someone else’s insurance, the PrEP Drug Assistance Program (PrEPDAP) may be able to help cover the cost of PrEP.  PrEPDAP also assists eligible clients by covering out-of-pocket costs for PrEP, such as co-pays and payments towards a deductible. Learn more about paying for PrEP.

It’s important to be tested frequently for HIV and STDs while on PrEP. You’ll need to be tested for HIV before you start PrEP and every time your PrEP prescription is refilled. You’ll also need to be tested for STDs on a schedule that your provider recommends.

PrEP is most effective when taken as prescribed. For the once-daily pill version, that means taking it daily. For injectable PrEP, a healthcare provider must administer the injection. The schedule is monthly for the first 2 months, and then every 2 months after that.

PrEP isn’t a morning-after pill. PrEP must be taken before possible exposure to HIV. If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours, visit your doctor or an urgent care center for post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP.

PrEP will not protect you from STDs. If you’re concerned about getting STDs, such as syphilis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea, ask your partners about when they were last tested. Also be sure to get yourself tested for STDs regularly, especially if you’re not using condoms. Condoms and plenty of lube can help protect you from STDs, but these infections can also be passed through oral sex or other sexual contact.

PrEP causes minimal side effects. Short-term side effects include nausea, headaches, fatigue, and weight loss. If you experience these or any other conditions while taking PrEP, tell your doctor.

If you’re on PrEP and you think you may have an STD, tell your healthcare provider right away. Don’t wait until your next visit!

If you are interested in PrEP but aren’t sure if its right for you, read more about who should consider PrEP.  If you don’t know where to go for PrEP or are worried about the cost, the PrEPDAP program may be able to help.