PrEP

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication that reduces your chances of getting HIV if you are HIV-negative. PrEP is available as a pill or as an injection. PrEP is not a vaccine, treatment, or cure for HIV. PrEP doesn’t prevent or treat other STIs. PrEP is part of a comprehensive safer sex plan. Other HIV/STI prevention strategies include condoms, DoxyPEP, vaccines, safer sex practices, testing for HIV/STIs, getting treated for STIs if you test positive, and limiting your number of sex partners.


Note:PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is different from PrEP. PEP is medication that may prevent HIV after a possible exposure by a needle stick or condomless sex. PEP is for emergency situations only and must be started within 72 hours (3 days) after exposure.


Effective

PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV. When taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by 99%. PrEP is much less effective when not taken as prescribed.


Safe

PrEP is safe. PrEP has been clinically approved and widely used to prevent HIV for over a decade. Many individuals have taken PrEP for years and have not reported any significant health issues. Its safety continues to be carefully monitored.


Mild side effects

PrEP can cause mild side effects like fatigue, upset stomach, or headaches. These side effects are usually not serious and go away once your body gets used to PrEP. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or don’t go away.


Easy to get

PrEP is easy to get. Follow these steps to get PrEP:

  1. Talk to your healthcare provider
  2. Test for HIV
  3. Receive a prescription for PrEP
  4. Take PrEP as prescribed
  5. Continue testing for HIV as recommended


Affordable

PrEP is affordable. The cost of PrEP is covered by most insurance plans and Medicaid. If you don't have insurance or Medicaid coverage, there are other programs that provide PrEP for free or at a reduced cost. Talk to your healthcare provider about options for financial assistance, or visit the Washington State PrEP Drug Assistance Program. You can also consider choosing health insurance that covers PrEP.

Go to wahealthplanfinder.org or call 1-855-923-4633 to find the right insurance plan.