PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) for HIV

PrEP is a great option for any person who is not living with HIV and is interested in protecting themselves from HIV infection. Everyone's circumstances, relationships, and experiences are different. A healthcare provider can help you decide whether PrEP is a good option based on your individual needs and goals. Generally, PrEP is for anyone who has an ongoing risk of getting HIV. This includes people who:

• Inject drugs and sometimes share needles or other equipment
• Have been diagnosed with hepatitis C
• Have multiple sexual partners and don’t always use a condom during sex
• Have sexual partners living with HIV or partners who do not know whether or not they are living with HIV
• Have been diagnosed with another sexually transmitted infection (such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis)
• Have other reasons they are concerned that they may be exposed to HIV

People who need to prevent HIV after a single high-risk HIV exposure (such as an accidental needlestick) need post exposure prophylaxis, or PEP.

Talk to a healthcare provider to find out which option is best for you. If you do not have a healthcare provider, contact the free, multilingual Mayor's Health Line at 617-534-5050 for help finding care in Boston.

There are currently multiple forms of PrEP. PrEP is available as a daily pill or as a long-acting injectable medication given by a healthcare provider every two to six months. For some people, “on demand” PrEP taken around the time of sex is also option. When taken consistently, PrEP reduces the risk of HIV infection from sex by 99% and reduces the risk of HIV infection from injecting drugs by 74%.

PrEP is available by prescription only. You can find a Massachusetts provider who can prescribe PrEP here, and can learn about free and low-cost PrEP here.

Yes. PrEP is a powerful HIV prevention tool, but it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, or hepatitis B. Use condoms and vaccination to protect against these other infections.

PrEP is safe. There have been no significant health effects found among people who take PrEP for many years. PrEP has been tested and found to be safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some people may experience mild side effects from PrEP, such as nausea or headaches, and can generally manage those side effects with their healthcare provider. Different forms of PrEP are also available for people who have chronic medical conditions.