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Get on PrEP. Stay protected. Stay empowered.
If you are HIV-negative, you may be interested in receiving PrEP at the STAR Health Center. PrEP, which stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, is a way to prevent HIV infection in people who DO NOT have HIV. PrEP can be taken as oral pills or as an injection every other month. For an appointment, call 347-909-1680.
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. PrEP is a way to prevent HIV infection in people who do NOT have HIV, by taking a pill regularly or an injection every other month. Make an appointment to speak with a team member about the different options and about what might work for you.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYDOHMH), have identified specific groups of people who may be offered PrEP.
These groups include:
PrEP is when people at high risk for HIV take HIV medicines to lower their chances of getting HIV. If you are at ongoing risk for HIV, speak to your doctor about PrEP.
Does PrEP Work?
The studies done to date show you can reduce your chance of HIV infection by over 90% when PrEP is taken as prescribed by the provider.
What are the PrEP Medications?
There are 2 pills available for PrEP: Truvada is approved for use in both men and women; Descovy has only been approved for use in men.
The one injection currently available for PrEP is named Apretude.
Does PrEP Have Side-Effects?
The most common side effects reported from people taking pills for PrEP are nausea, weight loss, and loss of appetite, but these usually go away after about a week. If these persist, please talk to your doctor. The most common side effect of the injection is soreness at the injection site.
How Do I Pay for PrEP?
Most insurances cover PrEP, but may require special permission (called prior authorization) that your team will obtain. If you do not have insurance, you may qualify for aid thru a specific program available to uninsured/underinsured persons.
How Often Do I Need to See the Doctor?
You will come to clinic every 2 or 3 months (depending on the type of PrEP you are taking) to have HIV testing done and see how the medication is working. This may include other bloodwork and STI testing. You will see the doctor between every 2 to 4 months.
Can I Stop Using Condoms If I Take PrEP?
Condoms are always recommended, and should be used in combination with PrEP to protect you against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). PrEP DOES NOT protect you from gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis or any other STI.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
If you are HIV-negative, are not taking PrEP, and have potentially been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours, you may be eligible for and interested in receiving Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). PEP is a way to prevent HIV infection in people who do NOT have HIV and had a recent exposure by taking medication (pills) for 28 days. PEP must be started within 72 hours after a recent possible exposure to HIV, but the sooner you start PEP, the better…. every hour counts! For an appointment, please call 347-909-1680.
What medications are used for PEP?
There are 4 treatment options available; all options use 3 active medications against HIV. Some options combine all needed medications in one pill, while others require two pills:
Truvada and Tivicay (2 pills together); Truvada and Isentress (2 pills together); Stribild (one pill); and Biktarvy (one pill).
Does PEP Have Any Side Effects?
PEP is safe but may cause side effects like nausea and headaches. These side effects can be managed and are not life-threatening. In most people, the side effects resolve after a few days or a week.
How Can I Pay for PEP?
Most insurance covers PEP. There are also medication support programs to assist with co-payments, if needed. If you are uninsured/underinsured, there are patient support programs to help pay for PEP. Once the decision is made for PEP, we have navigators on staff to assist in obtaining the medication.
If you’re a health care worker who was exposed to HIV on the job, your workplace health insurance or workers’ compensation will usually pay for PEP.
Can I Take a Round of PEP Every Time I Have Unprotected Sex?
PEP should be used only in emergency situations.
PEP is not the right choice for people who may be exposed to HIV frequently—for example, if you often have sex without a condom with a partner of unknown status or if you have partners who are living with HIV or whose HIV status you don’t know. Because PEP is given after a potential exposure to HIV, stronger medication regimens are needed to block infection than with PrEP. For someone who has unprotected sex often, PrEP is a better option than frequently requiring PEP.
PEP is effective when taken as prescribed. You should continue to use condoms with sex partners and safe injection practices while taking PEP. These strategies can protect you from being exposed to HIV again and reduce the chances of transmitting HIV to others.
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