If an HIV negative person is exposed to HIV, PrEP helps to stop the virus from taking hold and replicating in your body. By taking the medicine daily, it helps your body create an active defense against HIV infection. This is why it is important to take it as prescribed.

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PrEP is not effective immediately. Depending on what body parts you use during sex, daily PrEP can take between 7 and 21 days to be completely effective. Afterword, you must continue to take PrEP every day for it to be effective.

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What is PrEP on Demand?

If you can’t or don’t want to take a medication every day, PrEP On-Demand may work for you. Talk to your provider about PrEP on-demand.

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Is PrEP Safe?

PrEP is safe and generally well-tolerated. Routine HIV tests, STI tests, and labs will need to be taken every 3 months to continue PrEP and help ensure you are healthy.

Some people who take PrEP have reported mild side effects such as nausea and headache, but these side effects usually resolve after the first few weeks. If you are taking PrEP, tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that doesn’t go away.

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Is PrEP Right For Me?

PrEP is for HIV-negative people to help protect against HIV infection. PrEP is appropriate for people of any sexual orientation, gender identity or race. PrEP does not interact with alcohol or recreational drugs, and it does not interact with hormones. PrEP may not be for everyone, but everyone should consider it! Discuss PrEP with your healthcare provider.