PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

PrEP is a once-daily pill or injection every two months that greatly reduces your risk of HIV infection. There are different drug options for PrEP. Your healthcare provider will help you choose the right one for you.

PrEP is for anyone who is HIV negative. You may particularly benefit from PrEP if you:

• • don’t use condoms all the time;
  • were diagnosed with an STI in the past three months;
  • are interested in adding an additional HIV prevention tool to your toolbox; and/or
  • have sexual or needle-sharing partners who are HIV positive with a detectable or unknown viral load.

A monthly medication prescription is necessary for PrEP. PrEP medications and the necessary follow-up appointments are covered by most insurances. Once you start PrEP, cost shouldn’t be a reason to stop. If you are uninsured or cannot afford your PrEP-related costs, contact prep@howardbrown.org or call 773.388.1600 and ask to speak with a PrEP Navigator to discuss available options. If you believe that you have been incorrectly charged for PrEP visits or lab fees, please contact our Billing Team.

Expect your first appointment to last an hour to an hour and a half. Be prepared to have your blood drawn and provide samples for STI screening.

• • Do not urinate one hour prior to the appointment.
  • If needed, vaccines may be administered or recommended.

During your visit, your healthcare provider will talk to you about your medical and sexual health history. You will be asked about medications you take and any possible symptoms of acute HIV infection.

• • Have a list of your current medications or bring them with you.

You will receive information at your appointment about PrEP and other safer sex options. If you are uninsured or cannot afford PrEP, you will meet with a navigator to discuss financial assistance options available to you.

Most people who take PrEP do not report any side effects. For those who do, the most common side effects are nausea, upset stomach, headaches and fatigue. These symptoms often go away after a few weeks of taking PrEP. If these side effects bother you, speak to your healthcare provider. Your provider can talk to you about ways to treat these side effects. Your provider will monitor your lab results for other PrEP-related side effects.

PrEP does not interfere with hormonal birth control, including emergency contraception. PrEP may be an option if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant. Ask your provider for more information.

PrEP does not interfere with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and is an effective prevention option for transgender and gender diverse people.

PrEP works best if you take it at the same time every day. If you forget to take your pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you realize you forgot to take a pill and it is almost time for your next pill, just take one pill and resume your normal schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. If you keep missing scheduled doses, ask your provider about ways to stay on track. Injectable PrEP may be a helpful alternative for you if you have difficulty keeping up with a daily medication.

PrEP Tip: Carry a pill with you

To help you remember, carry a pill in a pill box or a sealed container. This way, if you miss a dose you will have a pill on hand. Visit your healthcare provider every three months for medication refills and checkups. A checkup will include HIV screening and other tests as needed. Your provider will talk to you about:

• • Side effects and what to do if they are bothering you;
  • How often you are taking your PrEP; and
  • Your sex life, sexual health, and other ways to keep yourself healthy.

Your provider will also screen you for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as needed. Tell your provider right away if you experience fevers, fatigue, swollen glands or a rash – these may be early signs of an HIV infection.