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. A long-acting injectable form of PrEP has also been approved by the FDA.
PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV when taken as indicated.
PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed. Among people who inject drugs, it reduces the risk by at least 74% when taken as prescribed. PrEP is much less effective when it isn't taken consistently.
PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV when taken as indicated.
PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed. Among people who inject drugs, it reduces the risk by at least 74% when taken as prescribed. PrEP is much less effective when it isn't taken consistently.
Is PrEP Right for You?
PrEP may benefit you if you test negative for HIV and any of the following apply to you:
you have had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months, and you:
have a sexual partner with HIV (especially if the partner has an unknown or detectable viral load), or
have not consistently used a condom, or
have been diagnosed with an STD in the past 6 months.
Or
you inject drugs and
have an injection partner with HIV, or
share needles, syringes, or other injection equipment.
Or
you’ve been prescribed PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) and you
report continued risk behavior or
have used multiple courses of PEP
You may choose to take PrEP even if the behaviors above don’t apply to you. Talk to your health care provider.