PrEP

What is PrEP?

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, an HIV prevention medication.

PrEP is recommended for HIV prevention for sexually active adolescents and adults weighing at least 77 lb, who have ongoing risk factors. The most common risk factors for HIV include:

• • Having an untreated sexually transmitted disease
  • Sharing used needles, syringes, or other drug preparation equipment
  • Unprotected sex with multiple concurrent partners
  • Heavy alcohol and drug use

At Tulane Total Health Clinic, PrEP is available as a daily oral pill or as an injection that is given every 2 months after the initial starter doses. PrEP is fully covered by most insurance plans and Medicaid.

When taken correctly, PrEP is over 90% effective at preventing HIV. Tulane Total Health provides PrEP navigation, including assistance with enrolling in marketplace insurance plans that cover PrEP.

Counseling is also available to mitigate detrimental health practices that contribute to a higher HIV risk factor. Combined with PrEP medication, this approach can greatly increase the chance of staying HIV infection free.