Is PrEP Right for Me?

What is PrEP?

PrEP is medication used by people who are HIV negative to help prevent getting HIV. PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. Most people who use PrEP take pills. A long-acting version of PrEP is also available by injection from a healthcare provider. It is very important to take PrEP as prescribed for it to work.

What else should I know?

• It works! It is rare for a person to get HIV if PrEP is used correctly as prescribed.
• PrEP is an option for anyone at risk for HIV.
• It is prescribed by a healthcare provider.
• You need to have an HIV test before starting PrEP to make sure you are HIV negative.
• Besides taking medication, PrEP involves having regular medical appointments for monitoring and support.
• PrEP is safe and most people report no side effects.
• The cost may be covered by your private or public drug plan.

How do I know if PrEP might be right for me?

Some simple questions can help guide you through thinking about whether PrEP might be right for you.

• Do you sometimes have sex without using a condom and you don’t know the HIV status of one or more of your sex partners?
• Do you have a sex partner who is living with HIV and not on successful treatment?
• Do you inject drugs and sometimes share needles or other equipment?
• Have you ever tested positive for a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
• If you inject drugs, have you ever been diagnosed with hepatitis C?
• Have you ever used post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)?