The newest form of HIV prevention is here. PEP - post-exposure prophylaxis, and PrEP - pre-exposure prophylaxis. Both are safe, effective, and available from Chase Brexton.
Both PEP and PrEP work to prevent the virus from infecting you, but they are both quite different, too. Learn more about them below.
For either, see your Chase Brexton Health Care provider, or come to a POWER Clinic if you do not have a Chase Brexton provider yet. You can call for more: 410-837-2050 X8813.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
What is PrEP? Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a new HIV prevention method in which people who do not have HIV infection take a pill daily to reduce their risk of becoming infected.
How does it work? The pill, called Truvada®, contains two of the many medications that can be used to treat people who already have HIV. These medications prevent HIV from making copies of itself and turning into an infection that’s spread throughout your body. In this way PrEP medicines can help keep the virus from establishing a permanent infection.
Who should consider taking PrEP? PrEP is a way for people who are at risk of getting HIV to lower their risk by taking a daily pill. PrEP is meant for people at risk of getting HIV because they may often be exposed to the virus—for example, someone who is HIV-negative but has an HIV-positive partner and doesn’t consistently use condoms.
How do I get PrEP? Talk with your Chase Brexton health care provider today, ask about it at your next HIV test, or come during our POWER Clinic to learn about your risks and to see if PrEP might work for you.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
What is PEP? PEP, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, is an HIV prevention method that involves taking anti-HIV medications as soon as possible after being exposed to HIV to try to reduce the risk of becoming infected with HIV.
How do I use PEP?
- Within 72 hours of exposure, come to Chase Brexton Health Care Mt. Vernon Center during walk-in hours or call 410-837-2050 X8813.
- You will be prescribed two to three anti-HIV drugs.
- You must take the prescribed medicines for 28 days.
What can I expect with PEP? PEP side effects make the medicines hard to take but the side effects are treatable and are not life threatening. PEP is not 100% effective. But, in urgent cases, it is a valuable way to reduce your risk of HIV infection.
How do I pay for PEP? If you are uninsured or your insurance doesn't cover PEP, we will work with you to find a way to cover the cost of the medicine.
