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PrEP 101

Come see us for PrEP

PrEP is available at all seven of our health centers in Oregon and SW Washington. PrEP is covered by most insurance plans, but if you don’t have insurance, we can help you find a medication assistance program that may help pay for PrEP.

PrEP

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis which is a drug treatment-plan. The PrEP treatment-plan involves a daily pill called Truvada that can protect you against HIV as long as you take it every day.

PrEP is available for people with clinically identified risk factors for HIV to help prevent you from contracting HIV.

PEP

After you are exposed, you can take medications within 72 hours of exposure to reduce your risk of getting HIV.

Rapid HIV Testing

Visit one of our health centers to get a rapid HIV test. We prick your finger and you'll get the results of the test within 20 minutes.

How Does It Work?

Truvada contains two antiretroviral medicines that interfere with HIV’s ability to grow and take hold in your body if you are exposed to the virus.

When taken every day, PrEP can provide a high level of protection against HIV, and is even more effective when it is combined with condoms and other prevention options. In several studies of PrEP usage, the risk of getting HIV was reduced by up to 92% for those who took the pill consistently compared to those who did not take the pill at all.

People who use PrEP must take the pill every day and return to their health care provider every 3 months for lab monitoring, risk review, and prescription refills.

How Can I Start PrEP?

Make an appointment at Planned Parenthood to talk to a health care provider and determine if PrEP is right for you.

If you and your health care provider decide that PrEP is a good option for you, you can get a prescription through Planned Parenthood.

How Do I Pay for PrEP?

PrEP is covered by most insurance plans, but if you don’t have insurance, we can help you find a medication assistance program that may help pay for PrEP. If you're uninsured or need financial assistance, visit http://www.gilead.com/responsibility/us-patient-access to learn more about patient financial assistance programs. 

What Should I Do Before My Appointment?

Do your research. Seek out information that will help you make a decision and have an informative conversation with your health care provider.

It may also be helpful to make a list of questions for your health care provider, as well as the reasons why you think PrEP would be right for you. Some questions you might ask yourself and/or provider are:

  • Would PrEP be a good option for me?
  • How much would PrEP lower my risk of HIV infection?
  • What else can I do to lower my risk of HIV infection?
  • Will the daily pill work for my routine?
  • Can I get help paying for PrEP?
  • How often will I be tested for HIV and other STDs?
  • Will you prescribe and manage PrEP for me?