Who Should Consider PrEP?
PrEP is for people who do not have HIV and want to take proactive steps in protecting their health and preventing HIV. Whether through sex or injection drug use, PrEP is a powerful tool that offers a safe and effective way for anyone to reduce their chances of acquiring HIV.

Is PrEP Safe? 
PrEP is a safe and effective way to prevent HIV, but like any medication, it can cause some side effects. Most people experience minimal or no side effects. Common side effects may include nausea, headache, and fatigue.

These symptoms often go away over time. Severe acute exacerbation of hepatitis B have been reported in patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) who discontinue PrEP medication abruptly. If you are positive for hepatitis B, please consult your physician before initiation or discontinuing medication.

Does PrEP Really Work? 
Yes! PreP is highly effective at preventing HIV infection when taken daily as directed. Studies have shown that PreP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and from injection drug use by at least 74% when used consistently. ADHERENCE IS KEY. 

PreP protects against HIV, it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy. Adding other prevention methods, such as condom use, along with PrEP can significantly reduce the risk of getting HIV.

How Much Does PrEP Cost? 
Taking PrEP can be affordable.  PrEP is covered by most health insurance plans and state Medicaid programs. Assistance programs are available for those without insurance or Medicaid coverage:

• Co-pay assistance programs help lower the costs of PrEP Medication. Income is not a factor in eligibility. 
   
• ViiV Connect offers a program to help pay for PrEP shots. 
   
• Some state and local PrEP assistance programs cover PrEP medication, while others cover clinic visits and lab tests. Some programs cover both.

Contact us for more information on financial support options.

Your PrEP Options
There are currently two PrEP options available approved by the FDA:

Daily Oral PrEP: This option includes medication taking medication once a day. It is effective for people of all genders and sexual orientations, providing consistent protection against HIV when taken as prescribed.
Long-Acting Injectable PrEP: For those who prefer not to take a daily pill, this option involves an injection given every two months. It offers the same level of protection and may be a convenient option for those seeking less frequent dosing.

How to get started
1.    Talk to a Healthcare Provider:
Schedule a consultation to see if PrEP is right for you. Because PrEP is for people who are HIV-negative you’ll need an HIV test before starting.

2.    Get a Prescription: 
If you’re a good candidate, your provider will prescribe PrEP.

3.    Stay on Track: 
Regular check-ups ensure that PrEP is working well for you.

PrEP and other medications
Birth Control: PrEP does NOT interfere with any form of birth control, so you can protect against both HIV and unintended pregnancy.
Hormone Therapy for Trans Women: Studies show that PrEP is safe for trans women and does not affect hormone levels or cause changes in body shape.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: PrEP is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It can protect both mother and baby from HIV. 

What is PEP?
Non-occupational Post-exposure Prophylaxis (nPEP) is medicine that can prevent HIV infection after you are exposed. Do not delay, nPEP must be started withing 72 hours (3 days) of exposure to reduce the chance of becoming infected.

How do you know if you need PEP?  

• Are you a victim of rape or sexual assault?
• Did you have unprotected sex (vaginal or anal) with someone who you know is HIV positive or someone whose HIV status you don’t know? (Unprotected means that a condom was not used, or that the condom broke or slipped off during sex.)
• Did you share needles (for drugs, hormones, or tattoos) or other drug injection equipment with someone who is living with HIV or whose HIV status is unknown?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, go to a hospital emergency department right away or one of the Houston Health Department health centers.

Learn more about PEP.