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PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS (PrEP)
What is PrEP?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), is an anti-retroviral medication people at risk for HIV can take to protect themselves. When taken as prescribed, PrEP can reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by over 90%.
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Who can benefit from PrEP?
PrEP is a good tool for people who are HIV-negative and at risk for HIV infection. This can include people who have partner(s) living with HIV, people who have partner(s) with an unknown status, people who have difficulty using condoms, and other people who may be worried about HIV infection. It is important to talk with your healthcare provider to find out if you`re a good candidate.
What are the benefits of PrEP?
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Allows you to take charge of your sexual health.
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You will be more routinely tested for STIs.
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Gain confidence in your sexual health.
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PrEP is highly effective if taken as prescribed. PrEP is as effective as how often you adhere to the prescribed regimen.
How does it work?
PrEP works by arming your body with two antiretroviral medications that prevent HIV from infecting your immune cells. As a result of not being able to make copies of itself, the virus dies without causing long-term infection.
How do I get PrEP?
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PrEP is a medication that needs to be prescribed by a doctor. Prior to speaking to a medical provider, a PrEP navigator can answer your basic questions and provide the knowledge that you need to decide your next steps.
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Take advantage of the free PrEP consultation by calling one of our PrEP navigators Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm if you are calling after hours or weekends, please leave a message and we will return your call next business day. You can also reach our navigators by emailing them at prepnavigator@borregohealth.org .
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If you need an HIV screening test, a PrEP navigator can assist with an appointment.
Meet our Navigators
Steps to get PrEP
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PrEP navigators can assist with making a PrEP appointment. Finding the right provider your comfortable with is important.
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At your appointment, your provider will test you for HIV, kidney health and other STIs.
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Get your prescription filled at your preferred pharmacy. Note: your provider can send your prescription directly to the pharmacy of your choice.
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If you need assistance with paying for PrEP, prescription programs are available.
Staying on PrEP
While on PrEP, you will need to visit your provider every 3 months for regular checkups.
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Test for HIV
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Test and treat other STIs
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Check kidney health
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Provide a prescription refill
These visits are an opportunity to talk to your provider about any concerns you have about taking PrEP.
What should I bring?
To make sure your first appointment runs smoothly you should bring:
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Insurance card and identification
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A list of medications you take
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Additional questions you have about PrEP
During this appointment it is important to be open about your sex practices and drug use (if any) to ensure you are properly screened for PrEP.
Condom Use
Although PrEP prevents HIV, it does not prevent other STIs or pregnancy which is why it is important to continue using condoms correctly and consistently even while on PrEP.
This includes:
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Using a condom everytime you have oral, vaginal or anal sex.
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Checking the expiration date on the condom.
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Checking the condom to make sure there are no tears or defects. When squeezing the wrapper, you should feel a small air bubble in the packaging. If you don`t, get a new one because it is possible that the condom is damaged.
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Storing condoms in a dry, cool place and not in a wallet as the heat and friction can damage the condom.
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Using water-based or silicone-based lubricant to prevent breakage.
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Will PrEP protect me from other STIs?No, PrEP only offers protection from HIV transmission.
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How long do I have to take before it's effective?For receptive anal sex (bottoming), max protection reached at about 7 days of daily use. For receptive vaginal sex & injection drug use, max protection reached at about 21 days of daily use.
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I've heard some guys take PrEP a couple days before, during and after hooking up. Does that work?This is called the 2-1-1 method. Although PrEP is only FDA approved for daily use, research is looking to this alternative method of dosing. For more information check out: https://tinyurl.com/2-1-1-dosage
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How long do I have to take PrEP before I'm protected?For receptive anal sex (bottoming), max protection reached at about 7 days of daily use. For receptive vaginal sex, max protection reached at about 21 days of daily use. If you have other risk factors such as drug use, speak to a provider on how long to take PrEP before you're protected.
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What if I forget to take my pill?Taking PrEP as prescribed is important as your level of protection is reduced if you miss doses. It's important to talk with your provider and PrEP navigator about any missed dosages.
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Do I have to go to an HIV specialist to obtain PrEP?No, you can get a prescription from your primary care provider or a participating pharmacy. Ask your PrEP navigator to assist with linkage to services or for an appointment with a provider.