What is PrEP?

Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a way to help prevent HIV by taking medication. It reduces your risk of getting infected by about 99% when taken as prescribed. 

There are currently two different daily pills on the market - Descovy and Truvada, the latter of which also has generic forms available. Descovy has not yet been studied in people assigned-female-at-birth.

In 2023 a new injectable form of PrEP hit the market called Apretude. Rather than taking a pill every day, your provider will give you an injection monthly for two consecutive months and then every other month after that.

In order to start PrEP, you will need to see your provider so they can ensure you are HIV negative, then every 2-3 months for repeat testing. You should not stop taking your PrEP medication before talking to your provider.

Who should take PrEP?

Ultimately, the decision whether or not PrEP is a good option for you is based on your own judgment with help from your provider. However, some reasons someone might take PrEP are:

• You have had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months AND at least one of the following:

  • Have a sexual partner with HIV (especially if the partner has an unknown or detectable viral load),

  • Have not consistently used a condom

  • Have been diagnosed with an STI in the past 6 months

• You inject drugs AND at least one of the following:

  • Have an injection partner with HIV

  • Share needles, syringes, or other injection equipment.

• You’ve been prescribed PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) AND at least one of the following:

  • Have continued risky behavior 

  • Have used multiple courses of PEP