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What is PrEP?

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. PrEP is medicine people at risk for HIV take to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use

PrEP is

  • For people who are at risk of getting HIV through sex
  • For people who are HIV-negative
  • Taking a prescription medicine every day

PrEP is not
  • Used in emergencies—like if a condom breaks
  • A one-time-only strategy
  • A prevention method for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • For people who are living with HIV
You may benefit from PrEP if you
  • Don’t always use condoms
  • Had or currently have an STI
  • Have sexual partner(s) who don’t know their HIV status
  • Have sex in a geographic area or sexual network where
  • HIV is prevalent
  • Inject drugs, share syringes or other drug equipment (i.e., cookers etc.)

What is the most important information 
I should know about PrEP?

Before and while taking PrEP

You must be HIV-negative before you start and while taking PrEP.

You must get tested for HIV immediately before and at least every 3 months while taking PrEP. If you think you were exposed to HIV, tell your healthcare provider right away. They may want to do more tests to confirm that you are still HIV-negative.

Many HIV tests can miss HIV-1 infection 
in a person who has recently 
become infected

Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting or while taking PrEP. Symptoms of new HIV infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin.

PrEP does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to reduce the risk of getting STIs.

To further help reduce your risk of getting HIV
  • Do not miss any doses of PrEP. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV.
  • Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners. If your partner is living with HIV, your risk of getting HIV is lower if your partner consistently takes HIV treatment every day.
  • Get tested for other STIs. Some STIs make it easier for HIV to infect you.
  • Talk to your healthcare provider about all the ways to help reduce HIV risk.
Woman who has a partner with HIV and/or considering getting pregnant.

Should talk to your doctor about PrEP if you’re not already taking it. PrEP may be an option to help protect you and your baby from getting HIV while you try to get pregnant, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding.

Do I have to be a certain age to 
take PrEP?

PrEP is approved for use by people who are HIV-negative, who weigh at least 75 pounds (35 kg) and who are at risk for getting HIV from sex or injection drug use.

Common side effects:
Some common side effects in people taking PrEP are diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

How Effective is PrEP?
PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV

PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed.

PrEP is at least 74% effective for people who inject drug when taken as prescribed.

PrEP is much less effective when it is not taken as prescribed.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking PrEP?
All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis.

All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. PrEP may interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.