OVERVIEW

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) are medications that reduce your chances of getting HIV through sex or injection drug use. When taken as directed, PrEP medications are highly effective in preventing HIV infection.

HIV-negative individuals are offered PrEP, a daily preventive medication, to reduce their risk of contracting HIV. When used as directed, PrEP lowers the risk of contracting HIV through sexual activity by around 99% in healthy individuals and by at least 74% in drug injectors.

Are there different types of PrEP?

PrEP can be pills or injections.

There are two pills approved for use as PrEP: Truvada® and Descovy®.

• Truvada® is for everyone at risk of contracting HIV through sex or injection drug use.
• Descovy® is for people at risk of contracting HIV through sexual intercourse.
• Apretude is the only injection approved for use as PrEP. Apretude is for people at risk of getting HIV through sex who weigh at least 77 pounds (35 kg).

Who can benefit from PrEP?

• Gay or bisexual men or transgender women who are at high risk for HIV.
• Heterosexual people who do not regularly use condoms and are at high risk for HIV infection.
• People who inject drugs or share drug paraphernalia.

Is PrEP safe?

• PrEP is safe; However, some people experience side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain. These side effects usually disappear over time.