PrEP

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a tool that can be used to help people who are HIV negative stay that way by reducing their risk of contracting the virus. Individuals who are at ongoing risk for getting HIV through sex or injection drug use take a prescription called Truvada once a day, every day. Taking PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of becoming HIV positive by up to 92 percent.

PrEP is most effective at reducing the risk of HIV infection when used in conjunction with condoms. And unlike condoms, taking PrEP by itself does not protect against other STDs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Be sure to talk to your medical provider about all safer sex practices.

PrEP is recommended for anyone who:

• Has more than one sexual partner
• Does not always use condoms
• Is in a relationship with an HIV-positive partner
• Is unsure of their sexual partner's HIV status
• Has had an STD in the last six months
• Wants to have a baby with an HIV-positive partner
• Uses injection drugs

PrEP can stop HIV infection before it starts. The medicine taken for PrEP is usually prescribed to treat HIV. Since this medicine prevents HIV from reproducing in the body, it can be used to prevent HIV infection in people exposed to the virus from sex or injection drug use. It is even more effective when combined with consistent condom use.

Most people who take Truvada for PrEP do not have serious side effects; however, one in 10 people may experience mild side effects including headaches, nausea, diarrhea and stomachaches that go away after the first few weeks. Rarely, Truvada can change your kidney function, so your provider will check your kidney function regularly. Your provider can help if side effects are bothering you. 

PrEP services are offered primarily on the Eskenazi Health downtown campus on Tuesday afternoons. If you are unable to attend appointments on Tuesday afternoons, PrEP services can be offered at other locations to fit with your schedule.

Patients without medical insurance should meet with an Eskenazi Health financial counselor to apply for insurance before scheduling a PrEP appointment. Please call 855.202.1053 to set up a meeting with a financial counselor.

Patients with medical insurance should first verify that Eskenazi Health is in-network for their insurance plan. Please call the member services phone number listed on the back of your insurance card to learn more about what insurance will cover. Helpful questions to ask your insurance company to help estimate out-of-pocket costs include:

• What is my deductible for medical care and medications?
• How much of my deductible (if any) have I met to date?
• What is my copayment for a specialist visit?
• Is Eskenazi Health an in-network provider?
• Do I need a referral from a primary care physician or a prior authorization?
• Will I have to pay any out-of-pocket costs for lab work?
• Is the Eskenazi Health lab an in-network facility?

You may also qualify for a copay assistance card to help with prescription costs. We will give you more information about this resource when you decide to move forward with starting PrEP.

Uninsured patients must make a down payment at registration on the date of the first visit. This amount is determined by Eskenazi Health Patient Financial Services.

Being on PrEP is more than just taking a pill each day. PrEP is part of an HIV prevention program, and it requires ongoing visits with a medical provider.

At your first PrEP appointment, you will meet with a provider who will review your medical history. If PrEP is right for you, the provider will test you for HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy (if applicable), hepatitis B and kidney function. You will leave the appointment with a prescription for Truvada, and we will contact you with your lab results the next business day. Once the provider confirms the lab results with you, you can begin taking the medication.

For as long as you choose to remain on PrEP, you will need to see your medical provider every three months. At these appointments, you will receive follow-up testing and prescription refills.