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 – discretely, 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%.
ABOUT WE PREP TOGETHER
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.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY
Introducing our new scheduling process to see your healthcare provider when YOU need them.
Our Phones are open at 7 a.m. Call us early to help secure the most convenient time for you!
504-529-5558
It is important to see you when you need us either for an urgent problem or for routine primary care. We know that work, transportation, child care and lots of other issues make it hard to keep appointments. Call us at 504-529-5558 or submit an appointment request form. Our phones open at 7 a.m. and we will continuously monitor the website requests as well. Contact us as early as you can.
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 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 and chlamydia. While taking PrEP daily can reduce your risk of HIV infection by up 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 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.
