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Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a new HIV prevention strategy in which HIV-negative people use HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs), drugs usually used to treat HIV infection, to reduce their risk of becoming infected with HIV.
Here’s what you need to know about PrEP.
PrEP is a daily pill for people who do not have HIV to help them stay that way. Studies show that taking PrEP as prescribed reduces the risk of getting HIV through sex by 90 percent or more.
PrEP is available by prescription in the U.S. under the brand name Truvada. Truvada was approved for use as PrEP in 2012. Truvada contains two drugs, tenofovir and emtricitabine, and was first approved in 2004 to treat HIV in combination with other medications.
We won’t tell you what you should do, but if you’re not using condoms consistently, you’ve had a sexually transmitted infections in the past 12 months, you have an HIV+ partner, you’re a transgender woman who has sex with men, or you use injection drugs, then PrEP might be the protection you need to stay negative. Even if you are using condoms every time, and you just want to reduce the anxiety of getting HIV, then PrEP might help take the fear out of your sex life.
Good question! Whether you have insurance or not, you can get PrEP. Most insurance covers PrEP, and, if not, there are several programs available to help pay for the medication, and we can help you make it happen.
People who use PrEP must be able to take the drug every day and to return to their health care provider every 3 months for a repeat HIV test, prescription refills, and follow-up.
If you are concerned about HIV you probably already know to protect your self with safe sex and condom use.
Now there is another way to help prevent HIV. PrEP is a daily medication to help protect from HIV.
CCHD Reproductive Health/STI Program respects your right to the privacy and confidentiality of the information that we maintain in your medical records. The information that you provide use is primarily maintained in a secure electronic file. Your information can only be disclosed with your written permission or by subpoena by a court judge.
4545 Crain Highway
White Plains, MD 20695
Phone: 301-609-6900
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM – 5 PM
Health Officer
Dianna E. Abney, M.D.
To protect, promote, and improve the health, safety, and environment of Charles County residents.
A healthier Charles County