PrEP: Preventing HIV
PrEP is now offered at your local PPNCSNJ health center. To speak with our PrEP counselor, call 973-647-2128.
What is PrEP?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis, known as PrEP, is a treatment regimen that can help prevent HIV infections. It contains a medication called Truvada that prevents the HIV virus from spreading and taking hold in your body if you are exposed to it.
Pre means "before"
Exposure means "coming into contact with HIV"
Prophylaxis means "a method of treatment that prevents an infection from happening"
PrEP prevents HIV infections from starting in people who are HIV negative. It is not a cure for people who already have HIV, and it doesn’t protect against other kinds of sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy.
Should I take PrEP?
PrEP can be taken by people who are at risk for coming into contact with HIV. PrEP has been shown to be effective at preventing HIV through sexual intercourse for gay and bisexual men, transgender women, and heterosexual men and women. It’s also effective for people who inject drugs.
You may want to consider taking PrEP if you are:
- In a relationship with someone who has HIV
- A gay or bisexual man who has had anal sex without a condom
- A man who has sex with both men and women
- A heterosexual man or woman who has sex with people of unknown HIV status who may also have partners at risk for HIV
PrEP isn’t a cure for people who already have HIV, or for people who have already been exposed to the HIV virus.
To find out if PrEP is right for you, call our PrEP counselor at 973-647-2128.
What’s involved in taking PrEP? Are there side effects?
In order for PrEP to work, you need to take one pill every day at the same time. You should also visit your healthcare provider every three months to follow up and refill your prescription.
Some patients in clinical trials experienced symptoms such as nausea, headaches, and mild weight loss. These symptoms usually went away after the first few weeks.
How can I get PrEP?
PrEP is offered at Planned Parenthood, and it is covered by many insurance programs.
At our Perth Amboy health center, our PrEP Counselor can help you learn more about PrEP and navigate getting started. Call our PrEP counselor today at 973-647-2128 to learn more. Or, to find a health center near you, call 1-800-230-PLAN.
What else should I know?
Use these resources to read more about PrEP:
https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/prevention/reduce-your-risk/pre-exposure-prophylaxis/
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/risk/prep/