Last updated: September 13, 2022
Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is for people who do not have HIV but who may be at risk of contracting HIV infection. By taking a pill every day to prevent exposure, they lessen the risk of getting the virus. The pill (brand names Descovy and Truvada) contains two medicines (tenofovir and emtricitabine) that are used in combination with other medicines to treat HIV. When someone is exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use, these medicines can work to keep the virus from establishing a permanent infection. *See warning below.
When taken daily, PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection from sex by about 99 percent. PrEP is less effective if it is not taken consistently.
PrEP is a powerful HIV prevention tool and can be combined with condoms and other prevention methods to provide even greater protection than when used alone. People who use PrEP must commit to taking the drug every day and seeing their health care provider for follow-ups every three months. If you live in Anne Arundel County and want additional information on PrEP or want to find out if you are a PrEP candidate, call 410-222-7240.
Need help paying for your PrEP medication copays? Patients with government health care prescription drug coverage can visit https://www.gileadadvancingaccess.com/hcp/financial-assistance/copay-support to see if they are eligible for support with the Gilead Advancing Access® co-pay coupon card.
| *WARNING: PrEP does not prevent the transmission of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). PrEP used in conjunction with other prevention methods, such as condoms, is the best way to prevent STIs. |
PrEP Resources:
PrEP Maryland
PrEP CDC