What is PrEP for HIV?

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV is a prevention strategy in which HIV-negative individuals take one or more anti-HIV medications to reduce the risk of becoming infected when potentially exposed to HIV. Presently, there are two daily oral medications as well as an injectable medication given every two months available to prevent HIV, all of which are highly effective when used as directed.

How Effective is Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis?

Fortunately, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV. When used as prescribed, it reduces the risk of getting HIV during sex by about 99%, and by 90% in those whose risk of HIV is due to injection drug use. Whereas oral PrEP is less effective when not taken as prescribed, some who have difficulty taking a daily oral medication might benefit from the newly available injectable form, which does not require daily pill-taking to achieve the same benefit.

How Fast Does PrEP Work?

Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis reaches maximum protection after 7 days of sustained daily use when HIV risk is related to receptive anal sex. However, for reducing HIV risk related to receptive vaginal sex and injection drug use, PrEP pills reach maximum protection at about 21 days of daily use.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Side Effects

Side effects of taking PrEP vary depending on the particular medication used. For individuals taking the oral medications, common side effects include stomach upset and, to a lesser extent, nausea, headache, fatigue, and diarrhea – though these symptoms usually lessen with sustained use. For people taking the injectable, the most commonly reported issue is injection site reaction.

No matter which medication you have questions about, our Q Care Plus clinicians and nurses are available online to discuss potential side effects and to provide support to when starting PrEP.

People Living with HIV

People who are living with HIV play an important role in limiting new diagnosis in our communities. Remember, “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U=U) means that a person with HIV who is on effective treatment and who has an undetectable HIV viral load cannot transmit HIV through sex.

For patients seeking PrEP who learn they are HIV-positive, Q Care Plus will assist you in finding a medical home for HIV treatment, either with Q Care Link or with a community organization. With treatment, people living with HIV live long, healthy, and productive lives!

PrEP for Women

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a once daily pill that is 99% effective at preventing HIV. 20% of new HIV diagnosis in the U.S. are among cisgender women, yet they comprise only 5% of all PrEP users. We want to change that and empower you to take control of your sexual health!

PrEP is for everyone who is at risk of getting HIV. If you are frequently having sex (especially receptive vaginal sex), you might be at risk of HIV.

Can I Take PrEP With Other Medications?

PrEP is also safe to take with many different medications and prescriptions.

PrEP is safe to take with:
+ Anxiety and depression medication
+ Hormone replacement medication
+ Birth control
+ Most other medications

If ever in doubt, our dedicated team of providers who specialize in sexual health are here to answer your questions and ensure your medications work together to protect you and your body.