What is PrEP?
Did you know PrEP is an option for women? PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a highly effective way to prevent HIV. When taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%. For people who inject drugs, PrEP pills reduce the risk of getting HIV by at least 74% when taken as prescribed. However, PrEP shots are currently not recommended for people who inject drugs.
How Does PrEP work?
PrEP involves taking medication regularly to prevent HIV infection. It's most effective when taken as prescribed, which means taking the medication consistently and following your health care provider's instructions.
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PrEP medicine lowers the chance of getting HIV from sex and drug use by stopping HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout the body.
Is PrEP Safe?
PrEP is safe. Some people who take it can have side effects like nausea, diarrhea, headache, exhaustion, and stomach pain. These side effects are typically not serious and go away on their own.
How do you take PrEP?
There are 3 types of PrEP:
1. TRUVADA: (a pill taken by mouth) – for all people at risk for HIV through sex or injection drug use.
2. DESCOVY: (a pill taken by mouth) - for sexually active men and transgender women at risk of getting HIV through sex or injection drug use. Descovy is not for females.
3. APRETUDE: (a shot given by a health care provider in a clinic) - for people at risk for HIV through sex who weigh at least 77 pounds or 35 kilograms who do not inject drugs.
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*It is always important to take PrEP and any medicine as explained by your health care provider.
Is PrEP Right for You?
PrEP is for you if:
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You don’t have HIV
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You have had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months, and if any of these apply to you:
o have a sexual partner with HIV
o don’t always use a condom
o have had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past 6 months
o inject drugs
o have an injection partner with HIV
o share needles, syringes, or other injection equipment
o have been prescribed PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) and have used PEP multiple times
When do I start taking PrEP?
Your health care provider will let you know when to start taking PrEP. They will first do a test to make sure you don’t have HIV. Once on it, they will help you to make follow-up appointments for HIV tests, make sure you have prescription refills on your pills or will schedule your shots.
Can I stop taking PrEP once I start it?
Yes, and you should always talk to your health care provider first before you stop PrEP.
People may stop taking PrEP because:
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the side effects are not going away;
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they forget to take the pills;
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they can’t visit their healthcare provider; or
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the risk of HIV becomes low due to changes in lifestyle.
If I stopped taking PrEP, can I start it again?
Yes, if you want to start PrEP again, talk to your health care provider and they will do a test to make sure you don’t have HIV.
What if I have a partner with HIV and I’m thinking about getting pregnant?
PrEP may be an option to help you and your baby from getting HIV while you try to get pregnant, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding. Talk to your health care provider for more information.
Does PrEP protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
No. PrEP only protects you from getting HIV but not from getting other STIs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, and HPV, or other types of infections. By adding condoms, you will lower your risk of getting other STIs
How do I get PrEP?
Most health care providers can help you to get on PrEP. Talk to a healthcare provider.
How do I pay for PrEP?
Most health insurance plans and Medicaid programs will pay for PrEP. If you don’t have insurance or Medicaid, there are programs that can get you on PrEP at no cost or a lower cost.
How do I talk to my health care provider about PrEP?
It can be hard to talk about your sex life or injection drug use with your health care provider, but it is their job to help take care of your body. Ask questions and take notes during the visit so you can remember what your doctor tells you.
Here are a few ideas of what you can ask:
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How do I talk to my partner(s) about preventing HIV?
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I only have sex once in a while, is PrEP right for me?
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I have a new partner. Should I start taking PrEP?
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I think I need PrEP, should I take it?
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I’ve heard about PrEP, is it for me?
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I want to protect myself from HIV and STIs, but I’m worried my partner will not be okay with using condoms. Are there options for me to protect myself?
What are women saying about PrEP?
Quick facts about PrEP
- Effectiveness: Reduces HIV risk from sex by 99% and from drug injection by 74% when taken as prescribed.
- Prescription: Can be prescribed by any licensed health care provider.
- Routine Care: Regular visits are necessary for tests and prescription refills.
- Testing: An HIV test is required before starting PrEP.
Staying on track
with PrEP
While taking PrEP, you’ll need to visit your health care provider routinely for:
- Follow-up visits
- HIV tests
- Prescription refills or shots
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