What is PrEP?
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. Currently, there are two FDA-approved daily oral medications for PrEP. There are also two FDA-approved long-acting injectable forms of PrEP, one that is administered every other month, and the other is administered twice yearly.
HOW DOES PREP PREVENT HIV?
PrEP works by taking an antiretroviral medication. These medications fight HIV by stopping the multiplication of the virus. This video explains exactly how PrEP helps prevent HIV infection as well as how the medication should be taken.
IS PREP RIGHT FOR YOU?
PrEP is recommended for anyone who is HIV-negative and is at high risk for acquiring HIV. You may want to consider PrEP if you fit into any of the following categories:
- Have a partner who is HIV-positive
- Have multiple partners and do not always use condoms
- Inject drugs and/or share needles with other people
- Have recently had a sexually transmitted disease
- Have recently had sex under the influence of alcohol or drugs
HOW MUCH DOES PREP COST?
PrEP is covered by most private health insurance plans as well as Medi-Cal. If you do not have medical insurance, San Ysidro Health will work with medication assistance programs to cover the cost of the medication. Please call or visit us for more details.
HOW MUCH DOES PEP COST?
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) refers to the use of HIV medicines to prevent HIV infection shortly after a possible exposure. PEP must be started within 72 hours (three days) after possible exposure to work effectively.
Although PEP can help prevent HIV transmission, it should be used in emergencies only and is not meant for regular use by people who may be exposed to HIV frequently. PEP is not intended to replace the regular use of other HIV prevention methods, such as consistent and proper use of condoms during sex or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
PrEP is different from PEP because it is taken regularly before someone is exposed to HIV. PrEP can be taken as a daily pill, or as an injection less frequently.
HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR PREP/PEP?
PrEP must be prescribed by a health care provider and we at San Ysidro Health can walk you through the entire process from the initial doctor’s visit, acquiring medications, and helping to remind you of your follow-up visits. We currently offer PrEP at two of our clinics.
Please call either location listed below to make an appointment or to get more information about PrEP/PEP or email: prevention@syhealth.org for more information. We offer assistance in both English and Spanish.
LOCATIONS:
King Chavez Health Center
950 S. Euclid Ave San Diego CA 92114
Contact: (619) 662-4127
San Ysidro Health Main Clinic
4004 Beyer Blvd San Ysidro CA 92173
Contact: (619) 662-4161
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