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PREVENT HIV

If you’re at risk for HIV, you can prevent acquisition by starting PrEP(Pre Exposure Prophylaxis). This once a day pill or bi-monthly shot can help keep you HIV free and free of worry.

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WHAT IS PrEP?

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine people take to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. By taking PrEP, you reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%, when taken as prescribed. You must have a negative test to start the bi-monthly shot or the daily pill.

CAN I STOP USING CONDOMS IF I TAKE PrEP?

Sure, but PrEP provides protection from HIV, not against other STDs. Condoms are highly recommended as another layer of protection.

CAN ADOLESCENTS TAKE PrEP? WHY DO I NEED TO TAKE PrEP AS PRESCRIBED?

Yes. PrEP is approved for use by adolescents without HIV who weigh at least 75 pounds (35 kg) and are at risk for getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. You must take PrEP as prescribed for it to work. If you do not take PrEP as prescribed, there may not be enough medicine in your bloodstream to block the virus. The right amount of medicine in your bloodstream can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading in your body.

IF I DO NOT HAVE AN ONGOING RISK FOR CONTRACTING HIV, CAN I TAKE PrEP ONLY WHEN I’M AT RISK?

Taking PrEP only when you are at risk for getting HIV is known as “on-demand” PrEP.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS CAN I EXPECT WITH PrEP? HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO TAKE PrEP BEFORE IT IS HIGHLY EFFECTIVE?

PrEP is safe but some people experience side effects like diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain. These side effects usually go away over time. PrEP reaches maximum protection from HIV for receptive anal sex (bottoming) at about 7 days of daily use. For receptive vaginal sex and injection drug use, PrEP reaches maximum protection at about 21 days of daily use.