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Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a prevention strategy for people who are HIV-negative. It involves taking medication consistently to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV before a potential exposure. PrEP is available as daily oral medications and as a long-acting injectable option given every two months. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV infection.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is an emergency prevention treatment used after a possible exposure to HIV. It must be started within 72 hours of exposure and taken for 28 days to help reduce the risk of infection.
Together, PrEP and PEP are important HIV prevention tools that support safer sexual health and reduce new HIV infections.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is highly effective at preventing HIV when taken as prescribed. Daily oral PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV through sex by about 99%, and significantly reduces risk for people who inject drugs when taken consistently. Effectiveness depends on adherence—taking PrEP as directed is key to maintaining protection.
Long-acting injectable PrEP is also available and provides an alternative option for individuals who prefer not to take a daily pill. When administered on schedule, it offers similarly high levels of protection.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an emergency medication that can help prevent HIV after possible exposure. When started within 72 hours and taken for 28 days, PEP can significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection.
Both PrEP and PEP are important, evidence-based HIV prevention tools. A healthcare provider can help determine the option that best fits your needs.
PrEP is for everyone who is at risk of getting HIV. If you are frequently having sex (especially receptive vaginal and or anal sex), you might be at risk of HIV and consider PrEP for prevention.
Oral PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) begins providing protection after it is started and taken consistently. Maximum protection is generally reached after about 7 days of daily use for receptive anal sex, and after approximately **21 days of daily use for receptive vaginal sex and injection drug use.
Because effectiveness depends on steady medication levels in the body, it is important to take PrEP as prescribed every day.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) must be started within 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV and is taken for 28 days. It is most effective when started as soon as possible after exposure.
Side effects of PrEP may vary depending on the specific medication used.
For people taking oral PrEP, some of the most reported side effects include mild stomach upset, nausea, headache, fatigue, or diarrhea. These symptoms often improve or resolve as the body adjusts to the medication.
For injectable PrEP, the most reported side effect is mild to moderate injection site reactions, such as soreness, redness, or swelling.
Our clinical team and nursing staff are available to discuss potential side effects, answer questions, and provide support before and after starting PrEP.
People living with HIV play an important role in reducing new HIV transmissions in our communities.
“Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U=U) means that a person living with HIV who is taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) as prescribed and maintains an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV through sexual activity.
If a patient seeking PrEP is diagnosed with HIV, our team will provide immediate support and linkage to HIV care. People living with HIV can learn about PrEP for potential partners too.
With consistent treatment and care, people living with HIV can live long, healthy, and productive lives.
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a once daily pill that is 99% effective at preventing HIV. 20% of new HIV diagnosis in the U.S. are among cisgender women, yet they comprise only 5% of all PrEP users. We want to change that and empower you to take control of your sexual health!
PrEP is for everyone who is at risk of getting HIV. If you are frequently having sex (especially receptive vaginal sex), you might be at risk of HIV.
PrEP is also safe to take with many different medications and prescriptions.
PrEP is safe to take with:
If ever in doubt, our dedicated team of providers who specialize in sexual health are here to answer your questions and ensure your medications work together to protect you and your body.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV is a prevention strategy in which HIV-negative individuals take one or more anti-HIV medications to reduce the risk of becoming infected when potentially exposed to HIV. Presently, there are two daily oral medications as well as an injectable medication given every two months available to prevent HIV, all of which are highly effective when used as directed.
PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV. PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV during sex by about 99% when used as prescribed, and by 74% in those whose risk of HIV is due to injection drug use. Whereas oral PrEP is less effective when not taken as prescribed, some who have difficulty taking a daily oral medication might benefit from the newly available injectable form, which does not require daily pill-taking to achieve the same benefit.
Oral PrEP medications reach maximum protection after 7 days of sustained daily use when HIV risk is related to receptive anal sex. For reducing HIV risk related to receptive vaginal sex and injection drug use, PrEP pills reach maximum protection at about 21 days of daily use.
Side effects of taking PrEP vary depending on the particular medication used. For those taking oral PrEP medications, common side effects include stomach upset and, to a lesser extent, nausea, headache, fatigue, and diarrhea – though these symptoms usually lessen with sustained use. For those taking injectable PrEP, the most commonly reported issue is injection site reaction.
BMS and nurses are available online to discuss potential side effects and to provide support to those starting PrEP.
Those who are living with HIV play an important role in limiting new diagnosis in our communities. “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U=U) means that a person with HIV who is on effective treatment and who has an undetectable HIV viral load cannot transmit HIV through sex.
For patients seeking PrEP who learn they are HIV-positive, BMS will assist you in finding a medical home for HIV treatment, either with BMS Link or with a community organization. With treatment, people living with HIV live long, healthy, and productive lives!
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a once daily pill that is 99% effective at preventing HIV. 20% of new HIV diagnosis in the U.S. are among cisgender women, yet they comprise only 5% of all PrEP users. We want to change that and empower you to take control of your sexual health!
PrEP is for everyone who is at risk of getting HIV. If you are frequently having sex (especially receptive vaginal sex), you might be at risk of HIV.
PrEP is also safe to take with many different medications and prescriptions.
PrEP is safe to take with:
If ever in doubt, our dedicated team of providers who specialize in sexual health are here to answer your questions and ensure your medications work together to protect you and your body.