What Is PrEP?

 

PrEP (Pre‑Exposure Prophylaxis) is medicine that people at risk for HIV take before exposure to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. PrEP can be daily pills or injections given every 2 months (cabotegravir) or twice yearly (lenacapavir) depending on the product and eligibility.

 

How Well Does PrEP Work?

 

When taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and by at least 74% among people who inject drugs. Protection drops if doses are missed.

 

PrEP Options (U.S.)

 

Form	Brand (generic)	For whom	Dosing
Oral pill	Truvada® (F/TDF) + generics	All sexes; sex or injection risk	1 pill daily
Oral pill	Descovy® (F/TAF)	Not for receptive vaginal exposure; otherwise sexual risk	1 pill daily
Injectable	Apretude® (cabotegravir)	Sex exposure; ≥77 lbs	Start series, then every 2 months
Injectable	Lenacapavir (Yeztugo®)	Sex exposure; ≥77 lbs	Two starter doses then every 6 months

Ask your provider which option fits your body, exposure type, insurance, and ability to keep follow‑up visits.

 

Who Should Consider PrEP?

 

You’re HIV‑negative and any apply: recent condomless anal or vaginal sex; partner with HIV (especially if viral load unknown); recent STI; sharing needles/syringes; repeated PEP use; or you simply want added protection. Adolescents ≥77 lbs can use PrEP.

 

Follow‑Up & Labs

 

• HIV test before starting and at regular intervals (often every 3 months for pills; 2 months for injections after loading).
• Screen for STIs per risk.
• Monitor kidney health (oral tenofovir‑based regimens).
• Support adherence & refills.

Insurance & Payment

 

Most insurance, including many public plans, covers PrEP. Patient assistance programs exist; local navigators (see Contact block) can help.

 

References & Trusted Sources

• HIV & STI Prevention, Testing, PrEP, and PEP Guidance

  • CDC HIV Testing Guidelines – Recommends routine screening for all individuals aged 13–64, with more frequent testing for those at increased risk.
    → CDC – HIV Testing Overview
    https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/testing.html

  • CDC PrEP Clinical Guidelines – Covers daily and long-acting options, effectiveness, eligibility, and monitoring protocols.
    → CDC – Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
    https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prep.html

  • CDC PEP Consumer & Clinical Guidance – Explains emergency HIV prevention, the 72-hour window, and recommended usage.
    → CDC – Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
    https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/pep.html

  • CDC U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) – Provides reassurance that people with sustained viral suppression cannot sexually transmit HIV.
    → CDC – HIV Treatment as Prevention: Undetectable = Untransmittable
    https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/library/infographics/utaids.html

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  📄 Screening & Testing Recommendations

  • USPSTF HIV Screening Recommendation – Recommends routine HIV screening for adolescents and adults aged 15–65 and at-risk individuals.
    → U.S. Preventive Services Task Force – Final Recommendation Statement: HIV Infection: Screening
    https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/document/RecommendationStatementFinal/hiv-infection-screening

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  ✅ Supplemental Resources

  • NEAETC Resource Library – Offers patient-facing guides, factsheets, and educational materials on HIV/STIs.
    https://www.neaetc.org/p/neaetc-resources

  • IAS–USA 2024 Recommendations (International Antiviral Society–USA) – Provides updated expert recommendations on antiretrovirals for HIV prevention and treatment.
    https://www.iasusa.org/resources/guidelines/