Medication to Prevent Getting HIV
It’s possible to avoid getting HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an HIV prevention strategy for people who think they are at risk for exposure, including men who have sex with men, transgender women and people who share needles. PrEP medications work by keeping the virus from establishing infection in the event of exposure, whether through sex or needle-sharing. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective.
Is PrEP Right for You?
When used consistently, PrEP is 99% effective at preventing HIV transmission through sex and 74% effective at preventing transmission from shared needles. The team at Petersen Clinics can help you determine if PrEP is a good option for you. In general, you may qualify for PrEP if you:
- Have unprotected vaginal or anal sex
- Are trying to get pregnant with a partner who is HIV positive
- Are in a sexual relationship with someone who is HIV positive
- Ever have sex for money, food, drugs, housing, etc.
- Have sex with multiple partners
- Share needles
- Use condoms inconsistently
PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy and should never be used as a substitute for condom use or abstinence.
Where Can I Get PrEP?
PrEP is a daily oral medication (pill) that is available only by prescription. You can get a prescription from your primary care provider or an HIV specialty clinic, such as Petersen HIV Clinics. When you come to Petersen HIV Clinics for PrEP:
- You won’t have to worry about stigma that may exist in other community health centers.
- You can get a wide range of information about HIV prevention from experts who work with people who are HIV positive every day.
- We can recommend and help you apply for assistance programs to cover the cost of medication and other HIV related care.
How Can I Pay for PrEP?
PrEP is FDA-approved and covered by most insurance plans as well as AHCCCH (Medicaid) and Medicare. If your plan does not cover PrEP or you can’t afford the co-pay, don’t let that stop you from getting this preventive medication. The PrEP Clinical Coordinator at Petersen Clinics can help you apply for assistance programs to cover the cost of the medication, copays and insurance premiums.
The Facts about PrEP
- Check these resources to better understand how PrEP can work for you.
- PrEP basics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- PrEP FAQs from the San Francisco AIDS Foundation
Get a Prescription for PrEP
Before you can start taking PrEP, you must be tested for HIV and other conditions. Call 520-609-1219 to schedule an appointment today.