PrEP - Pre-exposure prophylaxis - How to get PrEP and key guidance

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Cipher

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medication for people at risk of HIV that prevents HIV from multiplying and spreading through sex or injection drug use. It is highly effective when taken as prescribed, but requires consistent use for protection. The document explains how to access PrEP via prescription, the need for HIV and other follow-up tests every 3 months, and potential side effects. It also covers approved medicines, eligibility criteria, and insurance coverage resources.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

How do you get PrEP?

What is PrEP?

Why take PrEP?

What drugs are approved for PrEP?

Is PrEP right for you?

Is PrEP safe?

Is PrEP covered by my insurance?

How do you get PrEP? If you think PrEP may be right for you, talk with your provider. PrEP is only available by prescription. Because PrEP is for people who are HIV-negative, you will have to get an HIV test before starting PrEP. You may also need to get other tests to make sure PrEP is safe for you. If you take PrEP, you will need to follow-up every 3 months with repeat HIV tests and STD testing as indicated. You may also need additional testing to monitor your kidney function and cholesterol. To contact the Kaiser Permanente Washington HIV & PrEP Program: Call 206-326-3609 • Ext 1: Appointments • Ext 2: Billing questions • Ext 3: Labs & PrEP referrals • Ext 4: Specialty pharmacy Is PrEP covered by my insurance? To find out if your health plan covers PrEP medicines without charge: • If you have private health insurance through your employer or have purchased it yourself: Check with your health insurance company about coverage for PrEP. You can also check their drug formulary (drug list) online to find information about coverage for the medicines approved for PrEP. • If you purchased your health plan through [HealthCare.gov](HealthCare.gov) or a statebased Marketplace: The NASTAD tip sheet can help you verify whether your plan covers PrEP medicines: [https://nastad.org/resources/prep](https://nastad.org/resources/prep)special-enrollment-period-infographic • If you are on Medicaid: Check with your benefits counselor. • If you are on Medicare: Find out which plans cover your medicines at: [https://www. medicare.gov/drug](https://www. medicare.gov/drug)coverage-part-d/what-medicare-partd-drug-plans-cover Source: [https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv](https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv)prevention/using-hiv-medication-toreduce-risk/pre-exposure-prophylaxis DA4472000-01-23 PrEP Pre-exposure prophylaxis What is PrEP? PrEP (short for pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine people at risk for HIV take to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. PrEP can stop HIV from multiplying and spreading in the body. Why take PrEP? PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV when taken as prescribed. PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%. Among people who inject drugs, it reduces the risk by at least 74% . PrEP is much less effective when it isn’t taken as prescribed. It must be taken consistently to protect against HIV infection. What drugs are approved for PrEP? There are two different medicines available for PrEP. Each is taken once a day by mouth: • Truvada® is for all people at risk for HIV through sex or injection drug use. Generic products are also available. • Descovy® is for sexually active cismen and transgender women at risk of getting HIV. Descovy® has not yet been studied for HIV prevention for vaginal sex. A long-acting injectable medicine called Apretude® is also available for PrEP. It’s given by a health care provider every 2 months instead of pills taken daily. Is PrEP right for you? PrEP may benefit you if you test negative for HIV and: You’ve had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months and at least one of the following: • Had a sexual partner with HIV (especially if the partner has an unknown or detectable viral load) • Not consistently used a condom when having sex • Been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past 6 months OR You inject drugs and have done at least one of the following: • Had an injection partner with HIV • Shared needles, syringes, or other injection equipment. OR You’ve been prescribed PEP (postexposure prophylaxis) and have at least one of the following: • Report continued risky behavior • Used multiple courses of PEP If you’re assigned female at birth, have a partner with HIV, and are considering getting pregnant, talk with your provider about PrEP. PrEP might be an option to help protect you and your baby from getting HIV while you try to get pregnant, during pregna

FAQs

How can I get PrEP?

PrEP is only available by prescription. Talk with your provider, and plan for required HIV testing and follow-up.

What tests are needed before and during PrEP?

Before starting, you must get an HIV test and may need other tests to confirm PrEP is safe for you. While taking PrEP, you need follow-up every 3 months with repeat HIV tests and STD testing, and possibly additional monitoring for kidney function and cholesterol.

What medicines are approved for PrEP and who are they for?

Two oral medicines are available: Truvada® for all people at risk of HIV through sex or injection drug use, and Descovy® for sexually active cis men and transgender women at risk (not yet studied for vaginal sex). A long-acting injectable medicine called Apretude® is also available, given every 2 months by a health care provider.

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Cipher