Learning About Taking Medicine to Prevent HIV Infections

If you're at risk of being infected with HIV, talk to your doctor about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). When taken as directed, this medicine can help prevent you from getting HIV. While taking PrEP, you'll need to see your doctor and get regular HIV tests. If you're concerned about the cost of the medicine, there are programs that can help.

Why is it used?

Use PrEP to protect against HIV.

• It almost always protects you from getting HIV through sex.

• It reduces your risk of getting HIV from injecting drugs.

Take PrEP if you're trying to get pregnant with someone who has HIV.

• It can help prevent you from getting HIV. This will protect you and your baby.

How do you take PrEP?

PrEP may be taken as a daily pill. It may also be given as a long-acting shot.

It's important to stay on schedule when taking PrEP. If you skip a pill or miss a shot appointment, PrEP doesn't work as well to block the virus.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

Current as of: June 12, 2023

Content Version: 14.0

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