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Prevent

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What is PrEP?

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication people at risk for HIV take to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective in preventing HIV.

We offer two medications for PrEP: Truvada® and Descovy®.

Why Should I Take PrEP?

PrEP medications allow those at risk for HIV to take control of their health and reduce their risk. PrEP reduces the risk of contracting HIV from sex by more than 99%. Among people who inject drugs, it reduces the risk by more than 74-84%.

You can lower your risk of getting HIV from sex and other STDs by combining PrEP with condoms and other prevention methods.

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Is PrEP Right for Me?

PrEP is for people without HIV, who are at risk of contracting HIV from sex or injection drug use. Check your eligibility.

PrEP is right for me if I am

  • a sexually active gay or bisexual man 
  • a sexually active heterosexual man or woman
  • a sexually active transgender person 
  • a person who injects drugs or share needles
  • a person who has been prescribed multiple courses of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) 
  • a person who has a sexual partner with HIV (especially if the partner has a viral load that is unknown or detectable)
  • a person with history of inconsistent or no condom use with sexual partner(s)
  • a person diagnosed with an STD in the past 6 months

What is nPEP?

nPEP (non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication used to prevent HIV infection after exposure to the virus in settings other than a hospital or doctor’s office.

nPEP is a 28-day daily prescription that is only effective if started within 72 hours after HIV exposure and should just be used in emergency situations.

Who should consider nPEP?

If you think you’ve recently been exposed to HIV through sex or needle sharing, immediately contact your health care provider, emergency room, urgent care, or a local health department location and ask if they provide nPEP prescriptions.

 

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All GNR Public Health centers offer nPEP.

Call 470-353-9044 to schedule an appointment to get nPEP as soon as possible if you’ve been exposed to HIV.

Are you a healthcare provider or do you work in a medical facility? Keep reading!

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Healthcare providers should obtain PEP through their hospital or health office.


PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication used to prevent HIV infection after exposure to the virus in medical settings such as a hospital or doctor’s office.

PEP, like nPEP, is a 28-day daily prescription that is only effective if started within 72 hours after HIV exposure and should just be used in emergency situations.

Healthcare providers should obtain PEP through their hospital or medical office. GNR Public Health does not provide PEP for individuals who were exposed in a hospital setting and does not supply PEP to medical offices. 

Are you at risk for acquiring an HIV infection? Start PrEP today.
Let's talk! Call 678-442-6897 to chat with a PrEP coordinator to learn how.

Your PrEP Questions Answered

Is PrEP safe?

PrEP is safe but some people experience side effects like diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain. These side effects usually go away over time.

Tell your health care provider about any side effects that are severe or do not go away.

How long do I have to take PrEP before it is highly effective?

For receptive anal sex (bottoming), PrEP reaches maximum protection from HIV at about 7 days of daily use.

For receptive vaginal sex and injection drug use, PrEP reaches maximum protection at about 21 days of daily use.


PrEP Effectiveness

Will PrEP interfere with my hormone therapy?

There are no known drug conflicts between PrEP and hormone therapy, and there is no reason why the drugs cannot be taken at the same time.

Continuing PrEP

How can I get PrEP if I'm uninsured?

Uninsured patients can access PrEP medications through Gilead Advancing Access program.

Can I stop using condoms if I take PrEP?

PrEP provides protection from HIV, but does not protect against other STDs. You can lower your risk of getting HIV from sex and other STDs by combining PrEP with condoms and other prevention methods.

 

Condoms can help prevent other STDs that can be transmitted through genital fluids, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Condoms are less effective at preventing STDs that can be transmitted through sores or cuts on the skin, like human papillomavirus, genital herpes, and syphilis

 

Continuing PrEP

What if I need to stop taking PrEP?

  • If you would like to stop taking PrEP, talk to your health care provider about other HIV prevention methods that may work better for you.
  • If you've stopped taking PrEP but want to restart, talk with your health care provider. You will need to take an HIV test before you start PrEP to make sure you don’t have HIV.

Still Have Questions or Need to Enroll in PrEP?

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