Is Prep Right For Me?

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an additional tool, together with regular condom use, to help prevent transmission of HIV.  The medication currently FDA approved for PrEP is TRUVADA, a single tablet combination of 2 antiretroviral medications (tenofovir and emtricitabine) that is a cornerstone in the treatment of HIV.  Several studies (e.g. iPrex and Partners PrEP) have demonstrated a substantially lower risk of HIV transmission among HIV-negative patients taking PrEP compared to HIV-negative patients not taking PrEP who each had a similar risk for exposure to HIV. Currently, no health insurance has denied coverage for PrEP but different insurances may have different prescription co-payment rates.  Contact your insurance company directly to find out the monthly cost you may expect. Gilead, the pharmaceutical manufacturer of Truvada, does offer a copay assistance program to help lower the monthly cost of Truvada for patients both with and without insurance. Think you know PrEP?  Time to find out……. Disclaimer: Dr. Arcuri is not a paid spokesman for Truvada or for Gilead pharmaceuticals and he has no financial disclosures to report.  The information contained in this tutorial is for informational purposes only and is neither intended nor recommended to replace the advice of any individual’s primary care physician. 

Any of the following might happen when I take PrEP: 

Once I start taking PrEP, how often should I have STI/STD testing? 

PrEP works by keeping HIV from “setting up shop” in my body if I’m exposed. 

If I take my PrEP every day, I’m 100% protected against getting HIV.  

Everyone at high risk for HIV should take PrEP.