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Pills for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV with PrEP acronym engraved

PrEP

PrEP is an HIV prevention strategy for people who are HIV negative, but at high risk of contracting the virus. PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis and works by taking one pill every day. Prophylaxis means “prevention” in medical terminology.

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WHY PREP?

Did you know that 1 in 8 Americans with HIV are unaware they are infected? In Louisiana, it’s 1 in 5. PrEP allows those who are at high risk of contracting HIV to take control of their sexual health. Taking PrEP once a day can decrease the risk of contracting HIV by up to 99%! If you are HIV-negative – and we all want to keep it that way – PrEP may be right for you!

Safe Sex – Full Confidentiality
PrEP has various benefits like helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle. We can help you stay connected with health care providers to keep you on track – discreetly, and confidentially. We respect your privacy, so you can take full advantage of our services. After all, PrEP is your choice and you can stop taking it any time.

Ease of Mind – with one pill
Regardless of your sexual partner’s HIV-status or lifestyle, PrEP can protect you and give you ease of mind.

Cost
PrEP is covered by most insurance programs and Medicaid. The level of your coverage depends on the type of health insurance plan you have. If you don’t have insurance, PrEP can still be affordable. Our insurance specialists can give you more information about financial assistance programs available for PrEP, including co-pay assistance and plans that even pay 100%.

FAQs about PrEP

How does PrEP work? / What medications are used in PrEP?

The medication used in PrEP is available both as branded medication (Truvada, and Descovy) as well as generic medications (emtricitabine/tenoforvir), and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for daily use for people at high risk of contracting HIV. These medicines prevent 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 99% 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, chlamydia, syphilis, genital herpes, and human papilloma virus. While taking PrEP daily can reduce your risk of HIV infection by up to 99%, you should combine additional strategies like condom use with PrEP to reduce your risk of getting infected with other STDs or to prevent 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.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

To make an appointment with a St. Thomas clinic near you, call us at 504-529-5558 or complete the contact form on this page. One of our St. Thomas representatives will reach out to you shortly.

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St. Thomas Community Health Center is a Health Center Program grantee under 42 U.S.C. 254b, and a Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA)-deemed Public Health Service employee under 42 U.S.C. 233(g)-(n). © 2017 St. Thomas Community Health Center. | All Rights Reserved. | Designed by Online Optimism
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