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HOW DOES PrEP
and
PEP WORK?
The idea behind PrEP is that if an HIV-negative person takes Truvada®, there will be enough of the medication in the body to greatly reduce the risk of becoming HIV-infected through sex. It takes up to seven (7) days of daily oral Truvada® to reach levels high enough in the body to protect the user against HIV-infection. The medications in PrEP and PEP stop the virus from multiplying and eliminate the virus from the body before infection can occur.
HOW DOES PrEP and PEP WORK?
WHO SHOULD
USE PrEP?
We recommend PrEP for you if you are HIV negative and:
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You do not always use condoms
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You have sex with multiple partners
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You are in an open relationship
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You are in a relationship with an HIV positive partner
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You have sex under the influence of alcohol or drugs
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You inject drugs that were not prescribed by a doctor
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You are a sex worker or exchange sex for compensation
WHO SHOULD USE PrEP?
HOW EFFECTIVE
IS PrEP?
The level of HIV protection through the use of PrEP varies widely depending on how consistently PrEP is used. The bottom line is that for PrEP to be considered as much as 99% effective in preventing HIV through sexual intercourse, it must be taken every day as prescribed. It is also important to know that PrEP is not 100% effective in preventing an HIV infection. PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, syphilis, or Chlamydia. PrEP, therefore should be used with condoms. If you’re taking PrEP correctly and consistently, you can be confident that the drug is working to help protect your body from HIV infection.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS PrEP?
HOW TO ACCESS PrEP?
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Get tested for HIV every 3 months.
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Get tested for other STDs every 3 months.
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Come to the clinic for medical screening and refills every 3 months.
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Remember to take the pill every day.
People who are on PrEP need to:
REMEMBER
REMEMBER...
HOW TO ACCESS PrEP?
There should be no barriers if an individual decides that PrEP is the ideal mode of HIV prevention for him or her. Our trained staff at HCC can offer many opportunities to get access to PrEP at little or no cost. This includes the PrEP Assistance Program (PrEP-AP). This program allows HCC to provide uninsured individuals the services needed to access and stay on PrEP for free. To get Truvada® for PrEP, you will need a prescription from a medical provider, so your first step is to make an appointment at a health center or clinic that has primary care and/or sexual health services and accepts patients without insurance.
In selecting a clinic, you may want to ask whether they have providers who are able to prescribe PrEP and are open to discussing PrEP with their patients. Doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants are all qualified to write PrEP prescriptions.
Anyone on PrEP should regularly visit his/her doctor and have an open relationship with their doctor.
PAYING FOR
PrEP
There are still options for individuals without insurance and who are unable to pay for PrEP out of pocket. Additionally, Gilead’s Truvada® for PrEP Medication Assistance Program will provide eligible HIV-negative adults in the United States who do not have insurance obtain access to PrEP. To find out if you are eligible for this medication assistance program, call you 1-855-330-5479. Or call our staff at HCC so we can help you get started right away.
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While PrEP medication for the uninsured is covered by Gilead’s assistance program, the accompanying monitoring and care services are not. The Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Assistance Program (PrEP-AP) will cover those costs. Depending on where you receive your care, eligible providers can offer a specific set of services including but not limited to HIV testing, counseling, sexually transmitted disease testing and supportive primary care services, consistent with clinical guidelines at no cost. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be able to get insurance now. When choosing a plan, you’ll want to consider whether Truvada® for PrEP is covered by the plan and at what cost (i.e., what the co-pay is for Truvada®)
PAYING FOR PrEP
Are you ready to get on PrEP? Need PEP right away?
Learn more about PrEP here: www.prepfacts.org
If you have any questions or need more information about PrEP/PEP or to schedule an appointment.
Call 718-940-2200