Hiv Prevention - Blog Posts

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

Daily PrEP to Prevent HIV

PrEP − Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis − is a daily pill that can help you stay HIV-negative. The medicines in PrEP can protect you before you might be exposed to HIV.

The Basics

Consider PrEP. PrEP is for HIV-negative people who are at risk of being exposed to HIV through sex or injecting drugs and who are ready to take a daily pill.

Talk to Your Doctor. You need to speak with a doctor or nurse before you start using PrEP. Your doctor or nurse can help you decide if PrEP is right for you. These clinics can help you get PrEP. Providers at these clinics can help you decide if PrEP is right for you.

Take PrEP Every Day. PrEP is taken daily in pill form. Do not skip a dose. PrEP works much better at stopping HIV if you take it every day.

Know the Common Side Effects. PrEP can have mild side effects, like stomach pain, weight loss and headaches, especially at the beginning of treatment. PrEP may not be right for everyone. Talk to your doctor.

Use Condoms. Even if you take PrEP daily, condoms give you additional protection against HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, and unintended pregnancy.

Know the Common Side Effects. PrEP can have mild side effects, like stomach pain, weight loss and headaches, especially at the beginning of treatment. PrEP may not be right for everyone. Talk to your doctor.

Find Out about Paying for PrEP. Many insurance plans including Medicaid cover PrEP. Assistance may be available if you are uninsured.

Know about PEP. PrEP is not an emergency medication. If you think you were recently exposed to HIV, you may need emergency PEP.

(From New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene)

Two hands in a handshake, with a red ribbon wrapped around them.   On top, it says “spread the word, not the virus” underneath it says “stop aids, keep the promise”