PrEP - Callen-Lorde

PrEP

What is Daily PrEP?

  • PrEP is a once-daily medication to prevent transmission of HIV
  • When used consistently, PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection by up to 99%
  • PrEP does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (i.e., Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis etc.)

To learn more about the basics of PrEP before deciding if it’s right for you, watch our PrEP 101 video series on YouTube!

How Does Daily PrEP Work?

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.

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.

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, and find more information here.

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.

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.

How do I book an appointment?

Schedule your appointment here or call our main number at (212) 271-7200.

Paying for PrEP

While most insurances cover PrEP, there are different financial support programs available for uninsured, underinsured, and insured patients.

Patients may qualify for the following programs:

Gilead MAP which covers cost of medication (click here for details) and PrEP AP which covers lab and visit cost (click here for details).

  • Ready, Set, PrEP makes PrEP medication available at no cost to those who qualify.
  • Co-pay assistance programs can help lower the costs of PrEP medications. Income is not a factor in eligibility.
  • Some states have PrEP assistance programs. After you see a medical provider, a case manager can speak with you in more detail about these programs and how to apply. Some cover medication, some cover clinical visits and lab costs, and some cover both.

Apart from these programs, we have a robust insurance navigation team that is also available to assist patients apply for public insurance plans. Our goal at Callen-Lorde is to make HIV prevention accessible and affordable.