+ What is PrEP?

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, which is a medication that is available in tablet form or by injection to prevent the acquisition of HIV. This means if you are sexually active and come into contact with HIV, it will greatly reduce your chances of acquiring HIV.

+ Who can take PrEP?

PrEP is available for all people over 35 kg; however, there are some stipulations on which oral medication may be available for you depending on the sex you were assigned at birth.

+ Do I still have to wear condoms if I am on PrEP?

Yes, it is recommended that you still wear condoms as PrEP only protects against HIV.

You’ll get the most protection from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases if you consistently take PrEP and use condoms during sex. PrEP does not protect you from other STIs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. If you are have an STI, PrEP may not be as effective since STIs can create an open door for HIV to enter the body. Your provider will test you regularly for HIV and STIs to help maintain your sexual health.

+ How does PrEP work?

To understand how PrEP works, let’s first start with a quick understanding of how HIV medications work in someone who is living with HIV:

A person living with HIV takes medication known as Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) that works to keep the virus from replicating. These medications don’t attack the virus directly, but play a defensive role to halt the virus from finding new immune cells and replicating itself in the body.

A similar thing happens with PrEP. When an HIV-negative person takes PrEP, it plays that same type of defensive role inside your cells – preventing HIV from establishing an infection in the body. If HIV exposure happens to a person taking PrEP, the virus is unable to find a way to replicate itself inside the body – preventing an HIV infection.

+ What can I expect at my first appointment?

Your provider will gather your medical history, including current medications, allergies, health conditions, family history, social history, etc.

Next, your provider will explain to you the different types of PrEP medications that are available to you and decide which medication to place you on.

You will get blood work done including a test to check your kidney and liver function, STI panel (gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis), a hepatitis panel to check for acute hepatitis A, B, and C infections as well as your immunity to hepatitis A and B, and an HIV test.

After, your provider will send a prescription to the pharmacy you choose so you can pick it up.

Lastly, you will schedule your next follow-up appointment for 3 months.

+ What can I expect at my follow-up appointments?

Your provider will update any changes in your health history that may have taken place since your last visit

Next, you will get blood work done including a test to check your kidney and liver function, STI panel (gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis), and a HIV test.

After, your provider will send a prescription to the pharmacy you choose so you can pick it up.

Lastly, you will schedule your next follow-up appointment for 3 months

+ How do I pay for PrEP?

PrEP in pill form is covered by most insurance programs, including AHCCCS. If you do not have insurance, there are financial assistance programs that may be able to help with the cost of the medication and the clinic visits.

If you have insurance, The Gilead Co-Pay Card may be able to fully cover your co-pays and deductibles. For more information, visit www.GileadCoPay.com. You’ll answer a few questions to confirm eligibility (some restrictions apply and the program is subject to change at any time). Depending on your insurance plans co-pay or deductible, you may be able to get PrEP at no cost when you add Gilead’s Co-pay Coupon Card to your prescription at the pharmacy.

If you don’t have insurance, there are several programs to help you pay for PrEP:

• Gilead’s Medication Assistance Program (print and take this form to your first medical appointment)

• Medicare and Medicaid Assistance 1-877-267-2323

• Veterans Affairs (VA) 1-877-222-8387

Other links:

• Gilead’s Co-Pay and Patient “Advancing Access” Program

Currently, injectable PrEP is not widely covered by insurers. However, there are Financial Assistance Programs that may be able to help.

At Southwest Center, we offer a sliding fee scale for office visits depending on your annual income.

If you are a resident of Maricopa county, the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF) lab assistance program is available to help cover the cost of PrEP-related labs.

Ready, Set, PrEP is available to help cover the cost of PrEP medications

Give us a call at 602.307.5330 to talk to a prevention specialist for assistance.

+ Are there any side effects?

The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, headache, and upset stomach, but these are mild and usually go away in the first month. There is a potential that PrEP could have an effect on kidney function and certain medication can affect bone density.

You should tell your health care provider if these or other symptoms become severe or do not go away.

+ Can I just use PrEP when I’m having sex?

No. PrEP must be taken every day to give the best protection against HIV.

Think of it in the same context as birth control pills that also have to be taken daily in order to prevent pregnancy. PrEP needs to be strong and active in your system in order to provide the best protection against HIV. All available research shows PrEP’s effectiveness declines greatly if it is not taken consistently, so intermittent use is NOT recommended. PrEP must be taken every day to give the best protection against HIV.

+ Will people think I’m unsafe or having risky sex if I take PrEP?

A person’s decision to take PrEP is a very personal decision, not anyone else’s. It’s an investment in your sexual health – and we think that’s worth celebrating!

Using PrEP doesn’t mean a person will increase their sexual risks, but it does mean they have made an informed decision to add a layer of protection against HIV.