¿POR QUÉ PrEP?
Sabía usted que 1 de cada 8 norteamericanos con VIH no sabe que está infectado? En Luisiana, es 1 de cada 5. La PrEP permite que aquellos con alto riesgo de contraer VIH, tomen el control de su salud sexual. Tomar PrEP una vez al día puede reducir el riesgo de contraer VIH en un ¡92%! Si su prueba de VIH es negativa – y todos deseamos que se mantenga así — ¡probablemente la PrEP es el tratamiento adecuado para usted!
Sexo Seguro – Absoluta Confidencialidad
La PrEP tiene varios beneficios, tales como ayudarle a mantener un estilo de vida saludable. Le ayudamos a estar en contacto con especialistas médicos que llevarán su control en forma discreta y confidencial. Respetamos su privacidad para que pueda aprovechar al máximo nuestros servicios. Después de todo, la PrEP es su decisión y usted puede optar a dejar de tomarla.
Tranquilidad – con una píldora
Independientemente del estatus VIH o estilo de vida de su pareja sexual, la PrEP lo puede proteger y darle tranquilidad.
Costo
La PrEP está cubierta por la mayoría de seguros médicos y Medicaid. El nivel de su cobertura depende de su plan de seguro médico. Si no cuenta con seguro médico, la PrEP aún puede ser accesible. Nuestros especialistas en materia de seguros médicos pueden brindarle información sobre los programas de asistencia financiera disponibles para la PrEP, incluyendo asistencia para copagos y planes que pagan hasta el 100%.
NOS PrEP JUNTOS
We PrEP Together is an initiative by St. Thomas Community Health Center aimed at increasing awareness and access to PrEP among those who are most vulnerable to HIV in New Orleans, making a stronger Nola Health Link for all in Louisiana. The campaign’s mission is to reduce the stigma of HIV-related health services by providing confidential and affordable medical care to those at risk. We want to eliminate barriers for this care for everyone who can benefit from this program. At St. Thomas Community Health Center, your visit is fully confidential — after all, there are many other services we offer other than PrEP. To us, your socio-economic status shouldn’t determine your chances of staying HIV-negative.
SOLICITE UNA CITA
Solicite una consulta médica en la clínica St. Thomas más cercana a usted. Llame al 504-529-5558 o llene el formulario de contacto que aparece en esta página. Un representante de St. Thomas se comunicará con usted en breve.
FAQs about PrEP
How does PrEP work? / What medications are used in PrEP?
The medication used in PrEP is called Truvada and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for daily use for people at high risk of contracting HIV. Truvada is a combination of tenofovir and emtricitabine, two HIV medications. These medicines prevents the virus from replicating itself and spreading throughout the body.
Is PrEP Safe?
Several PrEP studies have shown that the risk of getting HIV infection was up to 92% lower for those who took PrEP once a day compared to those who didn’t take it. Keep in mind that it’s essential to take PrEP every day to maintain its effectiveness. It’s much less effective if it’s not taken daily.
Are there any side effects?
PrEP is usually well tolerated with very few side effects. Mild side effects can include upset stomach, headaches and weight loss. Rare side effects may include kidney or bone problems. The blood tests and physical examination we conduct during your first appointment will give us a better idea of how well your body will respond to PREP. If you have any other concerns about potential side effects our health care provider will be able to answer questions you may have.
What about condoms?
Condom use is still strongly recommended because PrEP won’t give you any protection against other STDs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. While taking PrEP daily can reduce your risk of HIV infection by up up to 92%, you should combine additional strategies like condom use with PrEP to reduce your risk of getting infected with other STDs or to prevent a pregnancy.
Can I afford PrEP without insurance?
Yes, we can help you pay for PrEP. If you don’t have insurance, our insurance specialists at St. Thomas will give you more information about financial assistance programs available for PrEP, including co-pay assistance and plans that even pay 100%.
Is PrEP for me?
PrEP is for people who are HIV-negative and at high risk for HIV infection, including:
- Anyone who is in a continuous relationship with an HIV-positive person
- Anyone who is not in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who recently tested HIV-negative
- Gay or bisexual men who have had anal sex without a condom or been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection within the past 6 months
- Men who have sex with both men and women
- Heterosexual men or women who do not regularly use condoms during sex with partners of unknown HIV status
- Women who have bisexual male partners
- Injection drugs users or their partners
How soon after starting daily PrEP is it effective?
When taking PrEP daily, it reaches maximum protection from HIV for receptive anal sex at about 7 days. For other activities, such as insertive anal sex, vaginal sex, and injection drug use, PrEP reaches maximum effectiveness at about 20 days of daily use.
