Conversation Starters

Is PrEP safe?

PrEP is safe but some people experience side effects like diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain. These side effects usually go away over time.
Tell your health care provider about any side effects that are severe or do not go away.
Learn more about side effects from the Truvada® and Descovy®.

Is PrEP right for me?

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

You have had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months and you

have a sexual partner with HIV (especially if the partner has an unknown or detectable viral load),
have not consistently used a condom, or
have been diagnosed with an STD in the past 6 months.

You inject drugs and you

have an injection partner with HIV, or
share needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs (for example, cookers).

You have been prescribed PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) and you

report continued risk behavior, or
have used multiple courses of PEP.

Have questions about PrEP for specific groups of people?

PrEP for Women

PrEP for Transgender People

PrEP for Men Who Have Sex with Men

Talking about PrEP

Talk to your partners and friends about PrEP. PrEP can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body. It is highly effective for preventing HIV if used as prescribed, but it is much less effective when not taken consistently. And remember, PrEP protects you against HIV but not against other STDs.

Learn more about how to talk about PrEP (link to Conversation Starters)

How can I pay for PrEP?

Most insurance plans and state Medicaid programs cover PrEP. There are also other programs that provide PrEP for free or at a reduced cost:

Ready, Set, PrEP makes PrEP medication available at no cost to those who qualify.
Co-pay assistance programs help lower the costs of PrEP medications. Income is not a factor in eligibility.
Some states have PrEP assistance programs. Some cover medication, some cover clinical visits and lab costs, and some cover both.

There are more HIV prevention options than ever before. Learn more about PrEP to decide if it is right for you.

Deciding to Take PrEP

Starting and Stopping PrEP

When used the right way every time, condoms—both male and female—are highly effective in preventing HIV. They also protect against many other STIs.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a pill to prevent HIV. Studies have shown that PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV if taken consistently.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) means taking medication after potentially being exposed to HIV, to prevent getting it. PEP is for emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after possible exposure to HIV. If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, talk to your health care provider or emergency room doctor as soon as possible.

If your partner is living with HIV, encourage them to get and keep an undetectable viral load by getting and staying in care. Being “undetectable” means having a viral load so low that a test cannot measure it. It is the best thing for their overall health, and it means there is effectively no risk of transmitting HIV to you through sex.

It’s important for you and your partners to get tested and treated for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) since having other STIs put you at higher risk for getting or transmitting HIV.

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