PrEP

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What is PrEP?

  •  PrEP is an acronym that stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.
  •  PrEP is a medication that helps prevent an HIV-negative person from getting HIV through sex.
  •  PrEP has a 99% effectiveness rate.
  •  PrEP taken orally (in pill form) is most effective when taken at least 4 times a week and in conjunction with condoms.

Should I take PrEP?

  •  If you feel that you may be at risk of contracting HIV, then PrEP is for you!
  •  If you are sexually active, you may be at risk

- If you have unprotected sex
- If you have more than one sex partner
- If you are unsure of the HIV status of your partner(s)
- If you use substances like alcohol or other drugs before or during sex
- If you are in a relationship with an HIV- positive partner (who isn’t yet undetectable)

  •  You should also consider PrEP if you use and/or share equipment for injection drug use.
  •  While taking PrEP, you will have quarterly blood tests to make sure PrEP isn’t negatively affecting your kidneys or liver.


Another PrEP option!

  •  Did you know that there is another way to protect yourself from HIV, and it doesn’t require taking a pill daily?
  •  Long-acting, injectable cabotegravir, or its brand name, Apertude, is a FDA-approved antiretroviral medication. Similar to Truvada and Descovy, Apertude reduces your chances of contracting HIV if exposed

What makes long-lasting injectable cabotegravir different?

  •  Apertude is administered by injection once every other month!
  •  It’s an option for people who may have trouble remembering to take a pill each day.

What is the process of starting cabotegravir?

  •  Before taking PrEP of any kind, it is important to remember that you must have tested negative for HIV first. Your healthcare provider may have you tested for HIV before moving forward.
  •  Before starting with long-acting injectable PrEP, you will begin taking the pill version of cabotegravir daily for one month to monitor your tolerance. This is called an “oral lead-in”.
  •  After one month of the “oral lead-in”, you can expect an injection once a month for two months and then once every other month moving forward. This regimen is designed to monitor your body’s reaction to cabotegravir.

What if I miss a dose?

  •  If you forget to take one of your tablets during the “oral-lead in”, try to take it the moment you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time to compensate.
  •  If you are already receiving injections, it is very important to make all of your appointments.
  • You have a window period of 7 days before and after your scheduled PrEP appointment, to reschedule. If you know you will miss your appointment, try to reschedule with your health care provider within 7 days of your scheduled date.
  •  If you miss your appointment by more than 7 days, talk to your provider right away to discuss the next steps, as your regimen may have to change.

Side effects of PrEP

  •  Many of the side effects associated with prep are manageable and may go away over time.
  •  If you experience any side effects especially long-lasting or uncomfortable side effects, let your health care provider know right away.
  •  Do not cut down, skip, or stop taking medication unless directed to do so by your provider.

Where can I go to start PrEP?

  •  A licensed healthcare provider who is able to write prescriptions will be able to prescribe oral or injectable PrEP to you.
  •  If for some reason your provider cannot provide you with the appropriate HIV testing and/or a PrEP prescription, you can always ask for a referral or visit our website to find a provider near you.
  •  The NYS PrEP Directory is a helpful guide to finding providers that can help get you connected to PrEP; however, this is not a list of the only PrEP-related resources available. If you find that the places you see in the directory are not convenient for you, reach out to local medical centers and/or community organizations.

Paying for PrEP/Insurance Coverage

  •  Payment assistance options may be available to you via the ViiV Connect Program. If you are eligible, this program can cover injectable PrEP at no cost to you. Find out if you are eligible by visiting the link to the program provided on our website (ViiV Connect Program)
  •  There are many options available to cover the cost of Truvada and Descovy in New York State.
  •  You may be eligible to have the co-pay costs, the lab tests, and even the medication covered.
  •  Medicaid does not currently cover cabotegravir but does cover Truvada and Descovy.
  •  There are options for you even if you do not have insurance like PrEP-AP (PrEP Assistance Program)
  •  Check out our website for more information on how your PrEP-related costs can be covered

 

Most insurers, including Medicaid, will cover oral PrEP (Truvada and Descovy). If you are worried that your insurance won’t cover the cost of PrEP, the following may be able to help:

If you’re insured but are worried about paying for the co-pay, the following may be able to help:

If you do not have insurance and need help paying for visits and lab work you can still receive PrEP through:

You may be eligible for one of the payment programs for both the injectable PrEP (Apertude) or the oral PrEP (Truvada and Descovy).

For More Information About PrEP Click Here
PrEP information is provided by The Family Center's HIV provider training team. Click here to learn more about this programming.