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Learning About Taking Medicine to Prevent HIV Infections

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If you're at risk of being infected with HIV, talk to your doctor about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). When taken as directed, this medicine can help prevent you from getting HIV. While taking PrEP, you'll need to see your doctor and get regular HIV tests. If you're concerned about the cost of the medicine, there are programs that can help.

Why is it used?

Use PrEP to protect against HIV.

  • It almost always protects you from getting HIV through sex.
  • It reduces your risk of getting HIV from injecting drugs.

Take PrEP if you're trying to get pregnant with someone who has HIV.

  • It can help prevent you from getting HIV. This will protect you and your baby.

How do you take PrEP?

PrEP may be taken as a daily pill. It may also be given as a long-acting shot.

It's important to stay on schedule when taking PrEP. If you skip a pill or miss a shot appointment, PrEP doesn't work as well to block the virus.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter I152 in the search box to learn more about "Learning About Taking Medicine to Prevent HIV Infections".

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.