Los Angeles County HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) - Frequently Asked Questions

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Ezra

Los Angeles County provides an FAQ covering HIV prevention and response options including PrEP (used before a possible HIV exposure) and PEP (used within 72 hours after an exposure). It explains how PrEP works, outlines reasons a person may be ineligible, and gives guidance for missed doses and medication interactions. The FAQ also covers scheduling visits, talking with providers and PrEP navigators, TelePrEP, PrEP Centers of Excellence, service coverage, side effects, and risk considerations for serodiscordant partners.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Frequently Asked Questions

PrEP vs PEP

How PrEP works and effectiveness

Eligibility and missed doses

Medication interactions

Scheduling and support

TelePrEP and Centers of Excellence

Coverage and side effects

Risk with an undetectable partner

Los Angeles County HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Frequently Asked Questions Scan Here to View Sexual Health Clinic Locations & Schedules 1. What is the difference between PrEP and PEP? PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is meant to be used before a possible HIV exposure, while PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) is meant to be used within 72 hours of an HIV exposure. PEP is time-sensitive, so you must see a provider urgently if you think you have been exposed to HIV! PrEP and PEP are not just used before and after sex, but can also be used by people who use substances. We offer both PrEP and PEP in all our sexual health clinics. 2. How does PrEP work? PrEP stops HIV from infecting a person's body. Think of it like a shield that protects your white blood cells from being infected. 3. Is PrEP an effective medication to take to minimize my risk for HIV? Yes! PrEP decreases the risk of you getting HIV by 99% . 4. What are some factors that may make me ineligible for PrEP? Common reasons why you might not be able to get PrEP include: if you have ever had an allergic reaction to the medications, if you have liver or kidney problems, if your immune system is weakened, if you are HIV+, or if you have hepatitis. If you have questions about your eligibility, please speak to your health care provider. 5. What should I do if I forget to take my PrEP pill? If you miss a dose, it is recommended that you take the dose as soon as you remember it, unless it is almost time foryour next dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never take more than one dose of a PrEP pill within a 24-hour period of time. 6. I was recently prescribed a new medication, will this affect my current PrEP prescription? Always inform your health care provider of any new medications that you are taking to ensure there are no interactions between the medications. 7. How can I schedule a visit to receive PrEP/PEP? Our Sexual Health Clinic locations can be found at this link: [http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/clinics](http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/clinics. To set)[.](http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/clinics. To set)[ To set](http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/clinics. To set) up a visit, please call the clinic that is closest to you. 8. Who can I talk to about PrEP/PEP? You can speak to one of our health care providers by visiting one of our Sexual Health Clinics: [https://ph.lacounty.gov/clinics.](https://ph.lacounty.gov/clinics. Our)[ Our](https://ph.lacounty.gov/clinics. Our) providers will start you on PrEP and PEP. Once started on one of these medications, you will be connected with a PrEP navigator. Our navigators have extensive knowledge with PrEP and PEP and will be able to assist you. If you are already enrolled in our TelePrEP program, speak with your navigator for next steps and any further questions! 9. What is the TelePrEP program? The TelePrEP program is an HIV prevention program offered by the Department of Public Health Sexual Health Clinics. Once enrolled in this program, you will be paired with a PrEP navigator who helps you schedule your appointments and is available to answer any questions you may have. You will have your health care provider visits over the phone or video and will go into clinic only for your HIV and STD tests. Medications will either be mailed to you or prescribed to a pharmacy near your home. This program saves you time! 10. What is a PrEP Center of Excellence? PrEP Centers of Excellence are various locations located in Los Angeles County where you can receive assistance with PrEP/PEP medications, as well as get clarification about whether it is right for you. Each location has a navigator ready to speak with you whenever you have questions! A complete list of Centers of Excellence can be found at [https://tinyurl.com/yc69yc55](https://tinyurl.com/yc69yc55) . Los Angeles County

FAQs

What is the difference between PrEP and PEP?

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is used before a possible HIV exposure, while PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) is used within 72 hours of an HIV exposure. PEP is time-sensitive and requires urgent provider care if exposure is suspected.

What factors may make someone ineligible for PrEP?

Common reasons include prior allergic reactions to the medications, liver or kidney problems, weakened immune system, being HIV-positive, or having hepatitis. For eligibility questions, the FAQ advises speaking with a health care provider.

How does TelePrEP work and what care is provided?

TelePrEP pairs participants with a PrEP navigator who helps schedule appointments and answers questions. Health care provider visits occur by phone or video, with clinic visits mainly for HIV/STD tests, and medications mailed or prescribed to a nearby pharmacy.

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Ezra