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PrEP

What is PrEP?

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and is a prescribed medication to aid in the prevention of HIV. PrEP is mostly prescribed in pill form, which means someone who is prescribed PrEP can take one pill a day to prevent HIV. There is an injection form of PrEP, but we recommend talking with a Matthew 25 provider to see which form of this medication is right for you.

Who can be prescribed PrEP?

You can be prescribed PrEP if you meet any of the below criteria:

  • I inject drugs and have an injection partner with HIV or share syringes, or other drug injection equipment.
  • I have been prescribed PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) and continue behaviors that increase my chance of exposure to HIV or have used multiple doses of PEP.
  • I have a partner living with HIV.
  • I have not consistently used a condom.
  • I have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection in the past 6 months.

You may choose to take PrEP, even if the above doesn’t apply to you. Talk to a Matthew 25 health care provider.

Is PrEP safe?

Most people who are prescribed PrEP do not have any side effects, as it is safe to take. If you do have side effects they might include; diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain. Talk with a Matthew 25 provider if you are concerned about any side effects regarding a PrEP prescription.

Is PrEP effective?

PrEP is 99% effective for sexual contact and 74% effective for IV Drug Use (IDU).

  • According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), PrEP pills reach a maximum protection from HIV at around seven (7) days of daily use.
  • For receptive vaginal sex and injection drug use, PrEP pills reach a maximum protection at around twenty-one (21) days of daily use.
  • No data is available for insertive anal or vaginal sex, along with how long it takes for PrEP shots to reach maximum protection during sex.