PrEP is a daily pill you can take that helps prevent HIV. It stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. Ask your healthcare provider if PrEP is right for you. We recommend always using PrEP with condoms to effectively help lower your risk of getting HIV during sex.

Truvada® is for all people at risk through sex or injection drug use.

Descovy ® is for people at risk through sex, except for people assigned female at birth who are at risk of getting HIV from vaginal sex.

PrEP is highly effective but doesn’t protect against other STI (sexually transmitted infections), and so it should be combined with condoms and regular STI testing. Protect yourself from other diseases.

Get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B and meningitis.

PrEP was created for those who may be at risk of contracting HIV from sex or injection drug use. You may want to consult with an AHF HIV Specialists about PrEP if you:

• Have an HIV positive partner
• Have an at-risk HIV partner 
  • This would include individuals who have had anal or vaginal sex without condoms.
  • People who have had sex partners in the past six months that do not know their HIV status
  • People who use injection drugs 
• Have a partner that has sex partners who do not use condoms regularly 
• Have a partner that has been diagnosed with another STD in the past six months (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, hpv)
• Have injected drugs, shared needles, or recently undergone treatment for drug use in the past six months

PrEP is not for individuals who are HIV positive. Our healthcare providers regularly consult and recommend medications for HIV-positive individuals on a case-by-case basis. If you do not know your status or believe that you may have HIV symptoms, our AHF locations offer free and confidential HIV and STD testing. 

Don’t forget that you should always use PrEP with condoms. PrEP with condoms is the best way to help prevent the spread of HIV. You can find free condoms at most of our locations. Find free condoms in your area today.

 One pill per day

1. PrEP  (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) is most effective when taken daily

Getting into a routine

1. Try to take a tablet at the same time each day and always keep it with you to avoid missing doses.
2. Set calendar or text message reminders.

Missed a dose?

1. Just take it when you remember.
2. For example;  If you usually take it in the AM, but realize at 10 pm that you forgot, it’s okay to take 1 pill then and continue with your usual schedule the next day (do not take 2 pills at once).

Staying Protected:

• Lab testing
  • Before starting PrEP, you will get tested for HIV, STD's, kidney function, and Hepatitis B and C.
  • You will also get tested for HIV and STI's every 3 months and for kidney function every 6 months.
  • If uninsured, you must return during Wellness hours for labs when you have 7-10 pills remaining of your last refill.
  • If insured, you will be linked to our healthcare center for a follow-up appointment every 3 months.

Filling your prescription 

• Your prescription will be sent electronically to our contracted pharmacy.
• The pharmacy will contact you every month to process your refill.
• They offer free delivery and US Shipping. Cost
• If you are having trouble paying for PrEP, there are patient assistance programs that may help cover the cost of the medication.
• If you currently have insurance, we will bill your insurance for the medication and Prep will be prescribed based on what is covered by your insurance plan.

Stopping PrEP 

• If you want to stop PrEP, talk to a healthcare provider about using other HIV prevention strategies.
• If you had a potential exposure due to condomless sex and/or non-adherence to PrEP call your provider within 72 hours for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).

Restarting PrEP

• If you’ve stopped PrEP for more than 7 days, it is important to get an HIV test before you restart.
• Report any flu-like symptoms or rashes to your healthcare provider as they could be symptoms of HIV.