Here’s the tea:
Caring for and treating people living with HIV is only half the battle. With preventative action, we can reduce the number of new cases to zero.
These are ways you can prevent HIV:
- Condom usage
- Abstinence from penetrative sex
- Routinely testing for HIV
- PrEP
Effective medications are available that reduce your risk of getting HIV. These include prescribed medication (PrEP) and medication taken within 72 hours after a possible HIV contact (PEP). Medication can even be free for those who qualify. You already know that sounds good!
Stop HIV In its Tracks!
Let’s get you
PrEP-ped!
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a highly effective treatment that helped bring down the number of new infections by 8% between 2015-2019. And as of 2020, more than 300,000 people in the U.S. are prescribed PrEP.
“On-demand” PrEP—also known as PrEP 2-1-1—is an alternative method of dosing that involves taking PrEP medication around times of sex instead of once per day. This dosing schedule may be preferred for individuals who infrequently engage in sexual activity. PrEP 2-1-1 involves taking 2 pills 2-24 hours before sex, 1 pill 24 hours after the first dose, and 1 pill 24 hours after the second dose.
PrEP can be taken as a daily pill, as an injection every two months, or as prescribed by a doctor. It works by producing antibodies that will block the enzyme HIV virus needs to replicate.
When taken as prescribed,
PrEP PREVENTS HIV INFECTION 99% OF THE TIME.
The PrEP 2-1-1 dosing schedule is not currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is not recommended by CDC. However, scientific evidence has shown that the 2-1-1 schedule provides effective protection for gay and bisexual men when having anal sex without a condom.
Talk to your health care provider to find out if PrEP 2-1-1 may be right for you.
PrEP is easy to get!
Got Prescription Insurance? Ask your doctor about PrEP. Most insurance providers cover PrEP at little to no cost, and most primary care providers can prescribe PrEP.
No Prescription Insurance? The US Department of Health & Human Services provides free medication to thousands of people taking preventative action against HIV through it’s Ready, Set, PrEP program. Once you receive a prescription from your care provider, visit Ready, Set, PrEP online and fill out an eligibility form. MISTR and Q Care Plus offer resources to access PrEP at zero or low-cost.
Even if you do not think you need PrEP—talk to your doctor! The CDC reports that fewer than 25% of people who could benefit from PrEP have a prescription. If everyone does their part, we can make an even greater impact on ending the HIV epidemic.
Not Today, Hiv!
If you have been in contact with HIV in the last 72 hours, there is still time to take preventative action. PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is an antiretroviral drug for HIV-negative people who have had a recent, single high-risk contact. Taking PEP can protect you from becoming HIV positive by preventing the virus from replicating within your body.
Examples of HIV Contact:
- Sexual contact (for example, a condom break with a partner of unknown HIV status or a partner with HIV who is not undetectable).
- Shared needles, syringes, or other equipment used to inject drugs.
-
Sexual assault.
More information on forensic exams where PEP can be prescribed/obtained, as well as examination timelines, evidence collection, and follow-up care following sexual violence.
Starting PEP medication within 72 hours of contact can prevent HIV infection.
PEP can be prescribed by most health care providers, including emergency medicine physicians. If you cannot see your primary physician within 72 hours, seek emergency care.
PEP is an emergency medication and should not be used as a routine solution for HIV prevention. If you are at consistent high risk of contact, PrEP will be your best option for staying safe and protected from HIV.
*A few resources to access PrEP at no or low-cost are MISTR, Q Care Plus and Ready. Set. PrEP.
All Set?
