What is PrEP ?

PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is medicine that people at risk for HIV can take to reduce their chances of getting the virus through sex or injection drug use. When taken as prescribed, PrEP helps block HIV from taking hold and spreading in the body.

There are currently several FDA-approved options for PrEP:

  • Daily oral tablets – two different medications are available.

  • Long-acting injections – one given every two months and another given twice a year.

PrEP is a highly effective tool for HIV prevention when used consistently and correctly.

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How to Get PrEP?

Book a consultation with our doctors.

Get a thorough evaluation to see if PrEP is suitable for you.

Get personalised PrEP prescription and instructions for use.

Ensure regular follow-up appointments to monitor your health and the impacts of PrEP

Why Take PrEP?

PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV when taken as indicated.

PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed. Among people who inject drugs, it reduces the risk by at least 74% when taken as prescribed. PrEP is much less effective when it isn’t taken consistently.

Is PrEP Right for You?

PrEP may be right for you if you test negative for HIV and any of the following apply:

  • You’ve had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months and:

    • Have a partner with HIV (especially if their viral load is unknown or detectable), or
    • Haven’t consistently used condoms, or
    • Have been diagnosed with an STD in the past 6 months.

  • You inject drugs and:

    • Have a partner with HIV, or
    • Share needles, syringes, or other injection equipment.

  • You’ve been prescribed PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) and:

    • Continue to have risk factors for HIV, or
    • Have used PEP more than once.

You can also choose PrEP even if these situations don’t apply—your health care provider can help you decide if it’s a good option.

If you have a partner with HIV and are planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor. PrEP may help protect both you and your baby from HIV while trying to conceive, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding.

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What Drugs Are Approved for PrEP?

PrEP is available as pills or long-acting shots.

Pills (taken daily):

  • Truvada® (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) – approved for all people at risk of HIV through sex or injection drug use. Generic versions are also available.
  • Descovy® (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) – approved for sexually active men at risk of HIV. Not recommended for women at risk through receptive vaginal sex.

Injections (given by a health care provider):

  • Apretude® (cabotegravir) – for adults and adolescents weighing at least 77 pounds (35 kg). Given every 2 months instead of daily pills.
  • Yeztugo® (lenacapavir) – for adults and adolescents weighing at least 77 pounds (35 kg). Given twice a year. The starter dose includes oral pills for the first two days to quickly reach protective levels.

These options give people flexibility to choose the PrEP method that works best for their lifestyle.

Is PrEP Safe?

PrEP is safe. No significant health effects have been seen in people who are HIV-negative and have taken PrEP for up to 5 years.

Some people taking PrEP may have side effects, like nausea, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain. These side effects are usually not serious and go away over time. If you are taking PrEP, tell your health care provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

And be aware: PrEP protects you against HIV but not against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or other types of infections. Combining PrEP with condoms will reduce your risk of getting other STIs.

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How Do You Get PrEP?

PrEP is available only by prescription. Any licensed health care provider can prescribe it—you don’t need a specialist. In some states, pharmacists can also prescribe PrEP.

Since PrEP is for people who are HIV-negative, you’ll need an HIV test before starting. Your provider may also order other lab tests to make sure PrEP is safe for you.

Follow-up care depends on the type of PrEP you use:

  • Daily oral PrEP pills – You’ll need to see your provider every 3 months for an HIV test, prescription refills, and routine checkups.
  • Injectable PrEP – You’ll visit your provider every 2 months (for Apretude®) or every 6 months (for Yeztugo®) for an HIV test and your injection.

These regular check-ins help ensure PrEP continues to protect you effectively.

What If You Don’t Have a Health Care Provider?

If You Don’t Have a Health Care Provider

You still have options for getting PrEP:

  • HIV Services Locator – Use the HIV Services Locator tool to find PrEP providers and other HIV-related services near you.

  • Community Health Centers – Many health centers offer PrEP services with sliding-scale fees based on your ability to pay. There are more than 15,000 health centers nationwide, including hundreds in the 57 priority jurisdictions of the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative. Many centers outside these areas also provide PrEP.

  • Pharmacists – In some states, pharmacists can prescribe PrEP directly. These include: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Virginia.

No matter where you start, resources are available to help you access PrEP affordably and conveniently.

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Is PrEP Covered by Insurance?

Yes. In most cases, PrEP medications and related services are covered by health insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare—usually with no out-of-pocket costs.

  • Private Health Insurance & Marketplace Plans – Under the Affordable Care Act, PrEP is considered a preventive service. That means your medication, clinic visits, and lab tests must be covered without deductibles, co-pays, or coinsurance.
  • Medicaid – Most state Medicaid expansion plans cover PrEP with no charge. Many traditional Medicaid programs do as well.
  • Medicare – Medicare Part B now covers PrEP, including both oral and injectable medications, lab tests, counseling, and administration—again with no cost-sharing.
  • Indian Health Service (IHS) – PrEP services are available with no out-of-pocket costs at IHS health centers and most tribal health clinics.
  • Veterans Programs – PrEP is available at no cost for Veterans receiving care through VA health services.

How to check your coverage:

  • If you have private insurance: Call your insurance company or check the plan’s online drug formulary.
  • If you’re on Medicaid: Talk to your benefits counselor.
  • If you’re on Medicare: Review Medicare’s coverage of PrEP services.
  • If you’re eligible for IHS or VA care: Visit ihs.gov or myhealth.va.gov for details.

With these programs, most people can access PrEP without having to pay out of pocket.

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Frequently Asked Question?

How does PrEP work?

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) works by blocking HIV from establishing an infection in your body. When taken regularly, the medication builds up in your system and provides strong protection if you’re exposed to the virus.

PrEP is very effective when taken as prescribed:

  • Up to 99% effective at reducing HIV risk through sexual contact

  • At least 74% effective for people who inject drugs

Consistency is key—daily use provides the best protection.

Some people may experience mild, temporary side effects when starting PrEP, such as:

  • Nausea

  • Headache

  • Fatigue

These usually go away within a few days or weeks as your body adjusts.

To begin PrEP, you’ll need to:

  1. Visit a healthcare provider for an HIV test and other screenings.

  2. Get a prescription if PrEP is right for you.

  3. Have regular check-ups to monitor your health while on the medication.

Yes. For PrEP to be most effective, it should be taken once daily. Skipping doses can lower your protection.

Yes, but always consult your healthcare provider before stopping. They can:

  • Guide you on how to safely discontinue PrEP

  • Discuss other HIV prevention strategies that may suit your needs