Get Started Today With PrEP!

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. It is spread by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person with HIV, most commonly during unprotected sex (sex without a condom or HIV medicine to prevent or treat HIV), or through sharing injection drug equipment.  If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).  The human body can’t get rid of HIV and no effective HIV cure exists. So, once you have HIV, you have it for life.

PrEP, or 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 taking hold and spreading throughout your body.  PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV when taken as indicated as it reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and drug use by at least 74%.  PrEP is for HIV-negative people of any gender or sexual orientation with anxiety about or at risk of contracting HIV through sex or drug use. PrEP takes about 7 days before it is fully effective in rectal tissue and takes up to 20 days for vaginal tissue. However, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends taking PrEP every day for 21 days prior to any possible exposure to HIV. The drug must be potent enough in the bloodstream to block HIV infection.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that PrEP be considered for people who are HIV negative and who are sexually active in the past 6 month and:

• Have a sexual partner with HIV
• Have not consistently practiced safe sex
• Have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the past 6 months.

PrEP is also recommended for people without HIV who inject drugs and:

• Have an injection partner with HIV 
• Share needles, syringes or other equipment to inject drugs

PrEP treatment requires quarterly labs to ensure you are HIV negative, have proper kidney function and are free of Hepatitis B.  Don’t worry though, we make it easy!  Start our easy online process and you will be given options for in-home testing which is a kit that will be discreetly mailed to your home with free shipping both ways or you can also get labs drawn locally in-person.  For all refills, we will reach out in advance to remind you to complete your quarterly labs.

Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil (Truvada®) is a medication that combines two antiretroviral drugs. Originally developed to treat HIV, it’s also used for PrEP.  When taken consistently, it can significantly lower the risk of contracting HIV, making it a powerful tool in the fight against the virus.  

Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil (Truvada®) is generally well tolerated but side effects may occur.  Common side effects include nausea, headache, and dizziness. In rare cases, there can be more serious side effects like kidney problems or changes in bone density.  

Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil (Truvada®) is taken once a day, around the same time each day, with or without food.  It is very important not to skip days.  Try to get in a routine that will ensure your daily dose is taken regularly.  If you miss a dose, take the next dose as soon as possible then continue your normal schedule.  Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.