PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is used before you are exposed to HIV to help prevent infection. PrEP is a pill that can be taken once each day by HIV-negative people who are at risk of HIV. PrEP is safe and works well: it is more than 90% effective in preventing HIV and also provides long-term protection when taken consistently.
PrEP can be taken with hormones and birth control. Side effects such as an upset stomach, loss of appetite, or mild headache may occur, but go away after the first month of taking PrEP. Alert your health care provider if these or other symptoms become severe or do not go away.
PrEP does not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy, so it is recommended that you continue to use condoms even after starting PrEP.
If you are uninsured or are unable to afford medication cost, the Partnership team can connect you with resources that can help.
PrEP is a safe and effective once-a-day pill that helps prevent HIV. PrEP is a prevention option for HIV-negative people who are at risk of HIV and is more than 90% effective in preventing HIV when taken consistently. PrEP is available for at-risk HIV-negative individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities. PrEP can be taken with hormones and birth control. Side effects such as an upset stomach or loss of appetite, a mild headache may occur but lessen after the first month of taking PrEP. Alert your provider if these or other symptoms become severe or do not go away.
If you are HIV-negative and answer "yes" to any of the questions below, PrEP could be right for you.
In the past 12 months have you:
- Had sex with an HIV-positive person, or a person whose HIV status you don't know?
- Used condoms only sometimes, or not at all, during sex?
- Been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (i.e., gonorrhea, chlamydia or syphilis)?
- Used needles or syringes used by another person?
Want to learn more or get connected to PrEP services?
Additional Resources:
The information on these pages is provided for general information only and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment, or as a substitute for consultation with a physician or health care professional. If you have specific questions or concerns about your health, you should consult your health care professional.
The images being used are for illustrative purposes only; any person depicted is a model.
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