Take control of your sexual health.
Take control of your sexual health.
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 infection, all of which are highly effective when used as directed.
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 infection, all of which are highly effective when used as directed.
Who is PrEP for?
PrEP is for anyone who does not have HIV and is sexually active. Individuals from all backgrounds and sexual orientations can benefit from HIV prevention strategies such as PrEP.
Who is PrEP for?
PrEP is for anyone who does not have HIV and is sexually active. Individuals from all backgrounds and sexual orientations can benefit from HIV prevention strategies such as PrEP.
How effective is PrEP?
PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV. PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV during sex by about 99% when used as prescribed, and by 74% 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 effective is PrEP?
PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV. PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV during sex by about 99% when used as prescribed, and by 74% 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 long does PrEP take to work?
Oral PrEP medications reach maximum protection after 7 days of sustained daily use when HIV risk is related to receptive anal sex. 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.
How long does PrEP take to work?
Oral PrEP medications reach maximum protection after 7 days of sustained daily use when HIV risk is related to receptive anal sex. 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.
Side effects of taking PrEP
Side effects of taking PrEP vary depending on the particular medication used. For those taking oral PrEP 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 those taking injectable PrEP, the most commonly reported issue is injection site reaction.
Q Care Plus clinicians and nurses are available to discuss potential side effects and to provide support to those starting PrEP.
Side effects of taking PrEP
Side effects of taking PrEP vary depending on the particular medication used. For those taking oral PrEP 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 those taking injectable PrEP, the most commonly reported issue is injection site reaction.
Q Care Plus clinicians and nurses are available to discuss potential side effects and to provide support to those starting PrEP.
What is the Future of PrEP for HIV
Oral PrEP has been approved in the U.S. since 2012, and the first injectable PrEP medication was approved in December 2021. The future is bright for HIV prevention, with many promising alternatives in development – some to be taken by mouth and others given by injection. Follow Q Care Plus to stay informed as new options are made available.
What is the Future of PrEP for HIV
Oral PrEP has been approved in the U.S. since 2012, and the first injectable PrEP medication was approved in December 2021. The future is bright for HIV prevention, with many promising alternatives in development – some to be taken by mouth and others given by injection. Follow Q Care Plus to stay informed as new options are made available.
What about prevention involving people with HIV infection already?
Those who are HIV-positive play an important role in limiting new infections in our communities. “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. With newer treatments, people living with HIV live long, healthy, and productive lives!
What about prevention involving people with HIV infection already?
Those who are HIV-positive play an important role in limiting new infections in our communities. “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. With newer treatments, people living with HIV live long, healthy, and productive lives!
PrEP For Women
PrEP For Women
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a once daily pill that is 99% effective at preventing HIV. 20% of new HIV infections in the US 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.
There are two types of PrEP recommended for cis women:
- Truvada® (or a generic equivalent), a pill that is taken by mouth daily.
- Apretude®, a shot that is taken every 2 months.
Can I Take PrEP With Other Medications, Such As Birth Control?
Can I Take PrEP With Other Medications, Such As Birth Control?
PrEP is safe to take with hormonal birth control–such as pills, patches, and most IUDs–and it does not interfere with birth control’s efficacy.
PrEP is also safe to take with:
- Anxiety and depression medication
- Hormone replacement medication
- Most other medications
If ever in doubt, our dedicated team of providers who specialize in sexual health are here to answer your questions and make sure your medications are all working together to protect you and make your life easier.
Click below to learn more about the different types of PrEP and it's side effects
Click below to learn more about the different types of PrEP and side it's effects
*Generic options available
Ready to get PrEP’d?
Ready to get PrEP’d?