How effective at preventing HIV is PrEP?
If taken correctly and consistently, PrEP is 92%–99% effective in reducing your risk for HIV.
I want to take PrEP and I have insurance. Is PrEP covered by my plan?
PrEP is covered by Medicaid and most insurance programs. Co-pay assistance programs are available. Call Kind Clinic at 512-853-9547 for more information about co-pay assistance.
I am a heterosexual woman who is HIV-negative. I want to have a baby with my partner who is HIV-positive. Can PrEP protect my baby and me against HIV?
Yes. PrEP is one of several recommended options available to prevent the transmission of HIV. Talk to your primary care doctor for more information on the options available to you.
Is PrEP a vaccine?
No, PrEP is not a vaccine. A vaccine provides immunity against an illness for a long period of time with no daily upkeep. PrEP is a daily pill that, when taken as prescribed, greatly reduces your risk of getting HIV. PrEP does not provide immunity against HIV; as soon as you stop taking PrEP, you […]
What if my doctor doesn’t know about PrEP?
If your primary care doctor is unfamiliar with PrEP, call Kind Clinic at 512-853-9547. Kind Clinic can help you find PrEP services, so you may continue seeing your primary doctor for the rest of your health needs. If you want your primary care doctor to handle your PrEP services, our physicians can contact your doctor […]
What happens if I miss a dose or only take PrEP once in a while?
To be effective at preventing HIV, PrEP must be taken every day as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss one dose, that’s okay. Take your next dose as planned. If you miss two or three doses while you’re sexually active, or if you don’t take PrEP as prescribed, check in with your doctor to […]
I think I’ve been exposed to HIV. Can I start taking PrEP to prevent infection?
No. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) can only prevent HIV when taken consistently BEFORE exposure. PrEP cannot be started as a method of treatment AFTER an event of HIV exposure (such as sex without a condom, needle-sharing drug use, or sexual assault). PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is the 28-day treatment regimen recommended for people who’ve been exposed to […]
If I take PrEP, can I stop using condoms?
Using condoms is a personal choice made between you and your sex partners. PrEP only protects against HIV so condoms can help you prevent things that PrEP can’t—like pregnancy, or STIs.
Are there any side effects associated with daily PrEP use?
Most PrEP users don’t experience side effects. In your first few weeks of taking PrEP, you might experience minor symptoms such as fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, and weight loss. These side effects should go away on their own. A small number of PrEP users might be at increased risk for kidney disease. While you’re taking […]
How long does PrEP take to work?
PrEP typically takes 7 days to provide full protection for anal sex and 20 days for vaginal/front hole sex. It’s important to use condoms during those times to prevent HIV transmission.
