Frequently Asked Questions
PrEP Pill Basics
PrEP is a once-daily pill that is 99% effective at stopping HIV. PrEP is short for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis:
- Pre = before
- Exposure = coming into contact with HIV
- Prophylaxis = treatment to prevent infection
PrEP is a daily pill that stops HIV by blocking the HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme. You can think of this enzyme as the HIV printer in your blood. PrEP stops the printer from making copies of HIV. When the virus can’t make enough copies of itself, you will stay HIV negative.
You need to take PrEP daily for it to work.
PrEP works extremely well at preventing HIV when you take it as prescribed. Studies have shown that PrEP lowers the risk of getting HIV through sex by about 99%. For people who inject drugs, PrEP lowers the risk of getting HIV by at least 74%.
If PrEP is like birth control, then PEP is like the morning after pill.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is medication that someone who is currently HIV-negative can take to stop HIV after exposure to the virus. PEP must be started within 72 hours after a possible exposure and continued for 28 days. If you feel you may need PEP, please call Equitas Health at (833) 378-4827.
- Post = after
- Exposure = coming into contact with HIV
- Prophylaxis = treatment to prevent infection
PrEP does NOT prevent other STIs. There is a pill that helps prevent most STIs. DoxyPEP is like the morning after pill for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Ask your Equitas Health provider about DoxyPEP at your PrEP appointment.
Getting Started on PrEP
The CDC suggests that PrEP is an excellent option for people who weigh at least 77 pounds (35kg), are currently HIV-negative, and can answer ‘Yes’ to one or more of the following questions:
- Are you in a sexual relationship with someone who is living with HIV, especially when they are not undetectable
- Are you in a sexual relationship with a partner or partners with an unknown HIV status
- Have you had anal or vaginal sex without a condom at least one time in the last 6 months
- Have you had gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis in the last 6 months
- Have you Injected drugs not prescribed by a medical provider or share works for drug preparation
- Do you have a partner living with detectable HIV
PrEP will not be a good option if you can answer ‘Yes’ to:
- Are already living with HIV?
- Do you have symptoms of acute HIV infection or have you been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours?
Most people report little to no side effects from taking PrEP. For people who do report symptoms, headache and abdominal pain are the most common. These side effects typically do not last long and often go away entirely within the first month.
If you’re experiencing prolonged side effects, please let your Equitas Health doctor or pharmacist know right away. You can leave a message for them on MyChart. You can also call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (833) 378-4827.
There are two types of PrEP pills – Truvada and Descovy. You will talk to your Equitas Health provider about which one is right for you.
PrEP does not interact with gender-affirming hormones for trans men or trans women. Plus, it is safe for trans men to take PrEP and:
- Use contraception, including hormonal birth control
- Become pregnant
- Chestfeed
You can take PrEP when you are at risk of HIV. For some people, this can mean when you are sexually active and not in a relationship – or are in an open relationship. Some people stay on PrEP for a lifetime with regular testing to make sure they are healthy enough to stay on PrEP.
PrEP is something that you can start and stop at any time without long-term side effects. You should continue PrEP for 30 days after the last possible exposure to HIV. Each time you start PrEP, you will need to take it for 7 to 21 days before it will be most effective.
If you are thinking about stopping PrEP, please talk to your Equitas Health provider or pharmacist. They will help you stop as safely and quickly as possible.
When taken daily, PrEP is safe and highly effective in preventing HIV. PrEP becomes most effective for receptive anal sex (bottoming) after about 7 days. For all other activities, including insertive anal sex (being the top) and vaginal sex, PrEP becomes most effective after about 21 days.
Before you can start PrEP, you will need to complete lab work to make sure PrEP is right for you. You will be tested for:
- HIV
- Kidney function (creatinine)
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis (optional, but highly recommend)
- Pregnancy (if applicable)
Why do I need lab work after I start PrEP?
After you get started on PrEP, you will need to get certain labs every 3 months. Getting your labs done helps keep you and your partner(s) healthy. Even though virtually everyone who uses PrEP as directed stays HIV-negative, we want you to have that extra peace of mind.
Besides HIV testing, you and your provider will talk about which labs are right for you.
You can get Apretude – an injectable version of PrEP – at Equitas Health. You will speak to a provider in person to get started. To make an appointment, please call (833) 378-4827.
Paying for PrEP
At your PrEP appointment, tell your provider that you would like to speak to a PrEP health navigator. They can help sign you up for programs that help cover the cost of your PrEP prescription, PrEP visits, and labs. Most Ohioans can get PrEP free through a program called PAPI.
You can get PrEP paid for with PAPI, if you:
- Have a negative HIV status
- Live in Ohio
- Make less than $72,900 a year
PAPI pays for:
- Office and medical co-pays
- Lab work co-pays (for HIV/STI testing and routine blood work)
- Prescription co-pays that other programs do not cover
- Medical services for people who cannot get insurance
- Health insurance premiums
99% of people pay nothing for PrEP with or without insurance. Many insurance plans do cover PrEP. A PrEP Health Navigator will work with you to figure out what your insurance will cover. They will also help you figure out what your out-of-pocket costs will be.
If you don’t have insurance, or your insurance does not make PrEP affordable, you can still get PrEP. Equitas Health will connect you to programs, like PAPI, that cover the cost of PrEP medications, lab work, and co-pays. PAPI is an Ohio Department of Health program that makes PrEP free for most Ohioans.
Getting your PrEP at Equitas Health Pharmacy
Availability
Equitas Health Pharmacy will always have PrEP in stock. Other pharmacies might not, especially in rural areas.
Convenience
You can fill and pick up your PrEP prescription statewide at five Equitas Health Pharmacy locations in Akron, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton. If an Equitas Health Pharmacy is not close by, we will deliver PrEP free to your home.*
*Ohio & Kentucky residents only. Some restrictions apply.
Expertise
Our pharmacy team is extremely knowledgeable about PrEP. You can get answers to any questions you might have about taking PrEP.
Affirming Care
At Equitas Health Pharmacy, you will get quality, affordable, and affirming care regardless of your race, sexual orientation, zip code, or gender identity.
Increasing Access to Care
Profits from Equitas Health Pharmacy pay for 80% of all Equitas Health services and programs. When you fill your PrEP prescription at Equitas Health Pharmacy, you are helping protect quality, affordable, and affirming care for you and your community!
It’s easy! At your PrEP appointment, just tell your provider that you want to fill your prescription at Equitas Health Pharmacy. They will take care of the rest.