What is PrEP?
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine that is highly effective at preventing HIV when taken as prescribed. PrEP can be pills or shots.
How Can I Start PrEP?
Talk with your doctor or health care provider to determine if PrEP is right for you.
If you and your health care provider agree that PrEP might reduce your risk of getting HIV, he or she will test your for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Your health care provider will also test to see if your kidneys are working well.
If PrEP is a good option for you, your health care provider will give you a prescription.
How Can I Pay for PrEP?
Most insurance plans and state Medicaid programs cover PrEP. There are also other programs that provide PrEP for free or at a reduced cost:
- Ready, Set, PrEP makes oral PrEP medication available at no cost to those who qualify, regardless of income. Learn more at: readysetprep.hiv.gov.
- The Gilead Sciences Advancing Access program helps patients cover oral PrEP medication costs. Learn more at: gileadadvancingaccess.com.
- ViiVConnect offers a program to help patients pay for injectable PrEP. Learn more at: viivconnect.com.
- Some states have PrEP assistance programs. Some cover medication, some cover clinical visits and lab costs, and some cover both. Learn more at: nastad.org/prepcost-resources/prep-assistance-programs.
For more information visit: CDC.GOV/STOPHIVTOGETHER
Is PrEP Right for Me?
I am thinking about PrEP to prevent HIV. What now?
Do your research.
Seek out information to help you decide
https://www.cdc.gov/STOPHIVTOGETHER/
Make a list of why you think PrEP would be right for you.
If you decide PrEP is right for you
Take your pill every day.
Follow your health care provider’s advice about how to take your pill.
This will give it the best chance to prevent HIV.
Tell your health care provider if you have trouble remembering to take your pill or want to stop PrEP.
Talk to your health care provider if you have more questions.