PrEP

A Pill that Prevents HIV

“PrEP” stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.
Pre = before
Exposure = coming into contact with HIV
Prophylaxis = treatment to prevent an infection from happening

It is an FDA-approved prevention pill for people who don’t have HIV, but who have a greater chance of becoming HIV-positive. When taken every day, PrEP can prevent an HIV infection by over 92%. You can use PrEP with other prevention methods, like condoms, to offer more protection. For PrEP to work, people who use it must take it every day and follow up with their doctor every 3 months.

Is PrEP right for me?

Let’s find out. PrEP is designed for anyone who does not have HIV, but who have a greater chance of becoming HIV-positive. PrEP allows people who inject drugs to stay HIV-negative, and those whose sexual partner(s) include people who are HIV-positive, stay HIV-negative.

You might consider PrEP if:

• You and/or your partner(s) don’t always use condoms when you have sex
• You have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the last six months
• You’re unsure of the HIV status of your sexual partner(s)
• Your sexual partner(s) are HIV-positive
• You are a person who injects drugs, or you’re having sex with an injection drug user

How do I get PrEP?

PrEP starts with a conversation. You can talk to any primary care doctor or HIV testing counselor to determine if PrEP may be right for you.

Most insurance plans (including Medicaid and Medicare) can cover the cost of PrEP. There are also financial assistance programs for those without insurance or who need help with out-of-pocket costs.  Most people wind up paying very little or nothing at all for PrEP. 

Our team at ARcare and our network of ARcare Family Practice Clinics would be happy to talk about PrEP with you. It could literally be life-changing. Contact us for more information.