ABOUT P r EP
HIV Prevention for People Who Inject Drugs
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication that can reduce your chance of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV.
Forms of PrEP
PrEP Medication
Approved for Injection Drug Use
Truvada Yes Yes
Descovy No
PrEP Shot No (not FDA-approved)
Approved for Sex
Yes
Yes
Currently, PrEP shots are not FDA-approved for PWUD but it is worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
Effectiveness of PrEP:
• PrEP reduces the chance of getting HIV through sex by 99%.
• It reduces the risk of getting HIV through injection drug use by at least 74%.
• It takes 21 days of daily medications to be maximally protected from HIV infection through receptive vaginal sex and injection drug use.
Considerations for PrEP Use:
• PrEP pills reach maximum protection at about 21 days of daily use.
Barrier methods, such as condoms, are recommended during the first 21 days of PrEP use for receptive vaginal sex.
• Taking PrEP only when “at-risk…” means taking the medication only before sex or injection drug use. However, this method’s effectiveness for preventing HIV transmission through injection drug use is uncertain.
Who Should Use PrEP:
PWID who inject with a partner who has HIV or share injection equipment.
• Individuals considering pregnancy with a partner who has HIV.
Adolescents at risk of HIV from sex or injection drug use (if they weigh at least 77 pounds).
Accessing PrEP:
Most insurance plans and state Medicaid programs cover PrEP. There are also programs that provide PrEP for free or at a reduced cost for those without insurance.
• Ready Set PrEP: This program makes PrEP medication available at a low cost for those who qualify. Eligibility criteria apply.
Copay Assistance Programs: These programs help lower the cost of PrEP medications. Income is not a factor in eligibility.
• Viiv Connect: Viiv offers a program that helps pay for PrEP shots. PrEP Assistance Programs: Some states have programs that cover PrEP medication, clinical visits, and lab tests. Eligibility requirements vary by state.
Online Platforms:
• Mistr: Mistr provides online prescription services and delivers PrEP medication.
• NuRX: NuRX offers Truvada for free through an online prescription service.
• Greater Than AIDS (WE>HIV): This organization’s website allows users to enter their zip code to find the nearest PrEP provider.
• Planned Parenthood: Many Planned Parenthood locations offer PrEP services.
Taking PrEP:
The first step to taking PrEP is an HIV test that is negative for infection. Routine follow-up visits and periodic HIV tests are needed to continue PrEP.
Use of PrEP:
• PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or prevent pregnancy. Barrier methods, such as condoms, can help prevent other STDs.
What is PEP?
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine taken after a possible exposure to prevent HIV.
PEP must be started within 72 hours of possible exposure to HIV.
• PEP is not a substitute for regular HIV prevention methods.
PEP may be provided by any healthcare provider including at the emergency department or urgent care. PEP is safe but may cause side effects like nausea.
Remember, using PrEP and PEP can help keep yourself and others safe from HIV transmission. Congrats on looking into PrEP and PEP to keep yourself and others as safe as possible!