Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Get answers to common questions about PrEP
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is a medication routinely taken before potential exposure to HIV to reduce someone’s chances of acquiring it. It is ~99% effective at preventing HIV through sex, when taken as prescribed.1
PrEP is ~99% effective at preventing HIV through sex, when taken as prescribed.1
Sexually active adults or adolescents who are HIV negative. This includes men, transgender men,* women,* pregnant women,* transgender women, and nonbinary individuals.1
PrEP is for individuals of any sexual orientation or relationship status, and it should be prescribed to anyone who asks for it, even if there are no identified risk factors after a sexual health assessment.1
Learn more about who PrEP is for.
*Not all PrEP medications can be used in cisgender women or transgender men.1
PrEP should be discussed at routine visits with all sexually active adults and adolescents. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has given PrEP its highest recommendation. PrEP is in the same category of importance as colonoscopy and hypertension screenings.2-4
There are FDA-approved PrEP options available as a daily pill and injectable.1
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is a medication routinely taken before potential exposure to HIV to reduce someone’s chances of acquiring it. PEP stands for postexposure prophylaxis and is an emergency medication used within 72 hours after possible HIV exposure and given for a 28-day course.1,5
There are a wide variety of efforts that are focused on supporting access to PrEP medications and associated visits, including: manufacturer access programs for individuals with or without insurance, government organizations (Medicare, Medicaid, and US Department of Veterans Affairs), state- and city-based programs, and patient advocacy organizations.1,6-8
Additionally, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires almost all plans to cover PrEP medications and associated visits with no cost sharing.1,7
Explore how the individuals in your practice can access PrEP.
References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HIV Nexus: CDC resources for clinicians. Updated August 20, 2024. Accessed September 4, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/hivnexus/hcp/prep/index.html
2. US Preventive Services Task Force; Owens DK, Davidson KW, Krist AH, et al. Preexposure prophylaxis for the prevention of HIV infection: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2019;321(22):2203-2213.
3. US Preventive Services Task Force; Davidson KW, Berry MJ, Manigone CM, et al. Screening for colorectal cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1965-1977.
4. US Preventive Services Task Force; Krist AH, Davidson KW, Manigone CM, et al. Screening for hypertension in adults: US Preventive Services Task Force reaffirmation recommendation statement. JAMA. 2021;325(16):1650-1656.
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. US Public Health Service: Preexposure prophylaxis for the prevention of HIV infection in the United States—2021 Update: a clinical practice guideline. Accessed September 12, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/risk/prep/cdc-hiv-prep-guidelines-2021.pdf
6. Data on file. Gilead Sciences, Inc.
7. Nicoletti B; HIV Medicine Association. Billing Coding Guide for HIV Prevention. National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD). Published April 2016. Accessed April 2, 2024. https://nastad.org/sites/default/files/2021-12/PDF_BillingCodingGuide_v5.pdf
8. Recommendations for HIV prevention with adults and adolescents with HIV in the United States, 2014. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published December 11, 2014. Accessed September 15, 2024. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/44064