Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

PrEP is a daily pill that can help prevent the transmission of HIV. There are currently three medications approved for PrEP; Truvada, Generic Truvada, and Descovy. These medications reduce a person’s chance of becoming infected with HIV by up to 99% for sexual transmission and by at least 74% for injection drug use if taken as prescribed. PrEP reaches maximum protection from HIV for receptive anal sex at about 7 days of daily use. For receptive vaginal sex and inject drug use, PrEP reaches maximum protection at about 21 days of daily use. PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy.

Is PrEP Right For Me?

PrEP can be a good option for someone who tests HIV negative and has any of the following circumstances:

Has a partner living with HIV
Has multiple sex partners
Inject drugs, share needles, or uses other drugs
Had an STI within the past six months
Does not use condoms every time

Never Been Tested?

HIV testing happens during your first PrEP appointment or if you’re 18 and older, you can test for free at home by clicking here.

Potential Side Effects

Most people do not experience side effects while taking PrEP. However, some might experience some of the following when you begin taking the medication:

Upset stomach
Vomiting
Headaches
Loss of appetite

These side effects usually go away during the first month of taking PrEP. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away.

Can I afford PrEP?

Valleywise Health has PrEP navigators that are trained to help you access financial assistance to make your PrEP care affordable.

Medicaid and most commercial health insurance plans cover the cost of PrEP, including the medication, medical appointments, and lab tests. For medication copay cost PrEP Navigators can provide a copay card which assist in lowering the payment for some commercial health insurances. There are patient assistance programs available for those who are uninsured to cover the cost of the medication.