PrEP is available in 3 different forms:
There is also an alternative to daily PrEP called On-Demand PrEP (2-1-1). It is extremely effective when used as prescribed, but it is not for everyone.
ON-DEMAND PREP (2-1-1)PrEP medication in the form of an injection every two months is also an available option.
INJECTABLE PREPSide effects of PrEP differ from person to person. The most common side effects clients report are upset stomach and headache for the first two weeks. If your side effects last longer than two weeks make sure to tell your healthcare provider.
There are currently two FDA approved medicines for PrEP: Truvada and Descovy. Currently, Truvada is the only FDA approved medicine for cisgender women.
It takes 7 days for PrEP to be fully effective in the anal area, and 21 days to be effective in the vaginal area and blood stream. We typically tell all new PrEP clients to still practice safe sex for a month so your body has time to build up enough PrEP in its system.
In order for PrEP to be over 90% effective you must take one pill once a day.
No one knows your body like you do, so it is entirely up to you to decide when to start and stop taking PrEP. If you’re on PrEP and feel like your risk of getting HIV has significantly decreased, then you can make the decision to stop taking PrEP. Just let your PrEP Navigator know before you stop. If you stopped taking PrEP and want to start it again you would just make an appointment with your PrEP Navigator. Just remember, once you start PrEP again you have to wait 7 days for it to be fully effective in the anal area and 21 days for it to be effective in the vaginal area and blood stream.
There is currently no data that suggests that PrEP and HRT interfere with one another. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of all the current prescriptions you are on.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about PrEP! PrEP is for ANYONE who wants to stay HIV negative.
Absolutely! There are several patient assistance programs that can help you get PrEP at little to no cost to you. Call us today to find out more.
As long as you live in California we can assist you in getting on PrEP for little to no cost. Your privacy is our utmost priority. We do not report any patient information to ICE.
