PrEP IS 99% EFFECTIVE AT PREVENTING HIV WHEN TAKEN DAILY.
PrEP is a once-a-day pill that can be taken to prevent HIV. It’s proven to be highly effective – up to 99% – but must be taken daily. Learn more about PrEP here and find a doctor today to get a prescription!
THE NEW ERA OF STOPPING HIV: BIOMEDICAL PREVENTION
PrEP and PEP are both effective medications that can be prescribed and taken to prevent HIV. One is taken before an exposure, one is taken after an exposure. Check out the differences between PrEP and PEP below!
HOW TO GET PREP
STEP 1: CONTACT
PrEP can only be prescribed by a medical provider – so contact yours today or find a PrEP-friendly provider here.
Be honest with your provider about the sex you have, how many partners you have sex with, and condom usage.
If your provider doesn’t know about PrEP, bring them the latest CDC Guidelines for providers or you may need to find a PrEP-friendly provider.
STEP 2: TEST
Your provider will test you for HIV, STIs and Hepatitis B. They’ll also test your kidney functions to ensure PrEP won’t stress your kidneys.
Some providers may write a prescription for PrEP right away pending the results of the tests, or they may wait until the test results are complete before writing a prescription.
You’ll be returning to your provider every 3 months for ongoing HIV, STI, and kidney function testing.
STEP 3: PAY
PrEP can be filled at most pharmacies or specialty pharmacies and is covered like other medications by most insurance providers, including most AHCCCS plans.
GET PrEP FREE!
There are several programs available to cover insurance copays and deductibles for PrEP, or to cover the full cost if you’re not insured. Check out those programs here.
STEP 4: TAKE IT!
It probably goes without saying, but PrEP will only work if you take it every day! For most people, it takes about 7 days to be built up to effective levels in anal tissue, and 20 days in vaginal tissue.
Find a routine that works for you to take the medication around the same time each day. For instance, keep the bottle next to your toothbrush, coffee mug, or keys – something you go to each day. Use a medication reminder app on your phone, or pick-up a weekly pill box organizer! Whatever works for you, stick with it!
TAKE A DEEPER DIVE INTO PREP!
Learn more about how PrEP works and take our quick quiz to see if PrEP is right for you!
HAVE YOU HAD A RECENT EXPOSURE TO HIV?
IF YOU’VE HAD AN EXPOSURE, Post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, is a short course of antiretroviral drugs that stops exposure to HIV from becoming a life-long infection.
PEP must be taken as soon as possible to be effective and no later than 72 hours after exposure to HIV.
A doctor must prescribe PEP, so if your 72 hour window falls on a weekend, you’ll need to seek treatment at emergency rooms or urgent care clinics. Be honest, firm, and specific with the doctor you see that you’re seeking PEP for a potential, significant exposure to HIV.
If your 72 hour window period falls during the week, seek treatment with your Primary Care Provider, or a local HIV clinic. Click here for a list of health providers who can prescribe PEP.
PEP is 2-3 antiretroviral medications that should be taken every day for 28 days. Your medical provider will determine the treatment right for you based on your exposure to HIV.
Find a Phoenix-Area PrEP & PEP Provider near you using the map below, or click the icon on the top left to see the full listing of Providers – including providers who speak Spanish, have Spanish translation services available, or have Trans-Friendly intake forms.
GET PREP FREE!
There are several programs available that can help cover the cost of PrEP.
Whether you have your own insurance, or if you don’t have insurance, these programs will help most people cover up to $7,200 in copays and deductibles to help you cover your out-of-pocket costs. Or, if you don’t have insurance, there’s even a program to help cover the full cost!
To use a Copay Card, simply activate the card, take it to your Pharmacist, and they’ll first run your insurance, and then run the Copay Card to cover any remaining costs.
Expand the following sections to find assistance based on your situation!
Click the link below to enroll in Gilead’s Advancing Access Copay Card Program. Or, if you have a physical card (available from The Action Center), you can activate your card here too. This card will cover up to $7,200/year without a monthly maximum (which can help to cover high deductibles at the beginning of your plan period).
Gilead’s Advancing Access Copay Card Program
Get a physical Gilead Copay Card FREE from our Action Center
Gilead Sciences has a program called Advancing Access that can cover the cost of PrEP completely if you don’t have insurance. Click the link below to download the Enrollment Form. You and your provider will need to complete this form together and then fax it to 1-800-216-6857.
Download Gilead’s Advancing Access Assistance Program Enrollment Form
Click the link below to immediately download and print Teva’s Copay Card for generic Truvada – no enrollment necessary. This card will cover up to a maximum benefit of $600 per 28-day supply.
