Overview
If you are at risk of being infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), you and your doctor can decide if you can take medicines that may lower your risk. Taking these medicines is called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Two common ways that people can have a higher risk are:
- Having unprotected sex with someone who has HIV.
- Sharing needles with someone who has HIV.
How does pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) work to prevent HIV?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can help prevent an HIV infection from spreading in your body. You must take it on schedule for it to help protect you from HIV. PrEP works best if you take the medicine every day. It doesn’t work well if you don’t follow the daily schedule. Do not share your medicine with other people.
You will have regular visits with your doctor. They will check to see how you are doing while taking the medicine. You’ll be tested for HIV. Your doctor may also talk to you about other steps you can take to avoid HIV infection. These include practicing safer sex and not injecting illegal drugs with shared needles.
How well does pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) work to prevent HIV?
Taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) does not remove all risk of getting HIV. While you take PrEP, avoid risky actions. Don't have unprotected sex or share needles.
PrEP can help you have a baby safely when your partner has an HIV infection. It can help prevent the infection from spreading to you or your baby. Your doctor can discuss this and other options with you.
If you are infected with HIV, your doctor may give you PrEP medicine along with other medicine to treat HIV.
Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
You may be able to pay less for PrEP medicines. Many health insurance plans cover the cost of PrEP. There are programs that provide PrEP for free or at a lower cost for people who need help paying for it.
