NOW AVAILABLE: Long-Acting Injectable PrEP
Fewer doses. More freedom. Explore injectable options for HIV prevention (PrEP) at Prism Health North Texas.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
A Pill that Prevents HIV
Protect yourself from HIV with a daily pill and contribute to your healthy life in a smart, simple way by using PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). PrEP is just one of the many services waiting for you at Prism Health North Texas.
0 pill
taken daily will drastically reduce your chances of HIV
0%
effective when taken as prescribed*
0 mins
follow up appointments are quarterly and only 20 minutes
*CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prep/prep-effectiveness.html)
How Effective is PrEP?
According to the CDC, if taken daily, PrEP reduces your risk for acquiring HIV by 99%. Once you begin taking PrEP, maximum protection is attained within 7 days for anal sex and within 21 days for vaginal sex.
You may be at higher risk of HIV if you:
- 1Have sex (condoms or not) with someone who is living with HIV.
- 2Have sex in a geographic region or sexual network with a high rates of new HIV infections.
- 3Have or had other STIs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis.
- 4Have sex without condoms.
- 5Exchange sex for food, shelter, or money.
- 6Use recreational drugs or are dependent on alcohol.
- 7Have ever been incarcerated.
- 8Have sexual partners whose status is unknown.
MSM (men who have sex with men), intravenous drug users, and transgender women are at high risk of acquiring HIV.
Be the One to Negotiate Your Sex Life
PrEP can be for everyone, including heterosexual men and women. If you fall into any of the risks above, consider taking PrEP. It will protect you from potential exposure to HIV.
What are the Side Effects of PrEP?
Like any medication, there are side effects. The most common PrEP medication side effects are nausea, headache, stomach-area (abdomen) pain, and increased or decreased weight, most of which usually dissipate within about 2 weeks as your body acclimates to the medication. About 13% of individuals on PrEP experience some bone density loss (which returns to former levels if PrEP is discontinued) and about 7% have headaches. Less than 1% of people on PrEP experience some kidney issues. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
How Much Does PrEP Cost?
If you have health insurance, there’s a great chance the cost will be covered under preventative care!
There are programs that can provide PrEP for you for free or at a reduced cost:
- PrEP medication available at no cost to those who qualify – Ready, Set, PrEP.
- Lower the costs of PrEP – Co-Pay Assistance Program.
- Some states provide help with medication cost – PrEP Assistance Programs.
Your Care System:
Per CDC guidelines follow up appointments are every 3 months for 15 – 20 minutes. The first thing your provider will do is take a blood test to confirm you are not living with HIV or other STIs. Quarterly visits are important for regular lab work and STI testing to monitor how the medication is working in your body and counter side effects. Medication must be taken daily – not just when you are going to have sex.
I’m a Black Gay or Bisexual Man - Why is PrEP so Important for Me?
In 2018 Black people made up only 21.9% of the population in Dallas County but were 42.8% of new HIV infections. In 2019, Black people accounted for 44% (16,192) of HIV diagnoses in the United States and 13% of the national population.
There are many reasons for this disparity, including access to healthcare such as PrEP. Prism Health North Texas is dedicated to closing this gap and providing access to those most vulnerable to acquiring HIV.
The Decision is Yours
PrEP is something you may take for only a limited time while you are most sexually active and protects you from acquiring HIV – a lifelong, costly infection that has serious side effects and health implications.
Remember that PrEP does not protect you from other STIs, so regular condom use in conjunction with PrEP is highly recommended. Talk to specially trained PHNTX staff who can help you with additional strategies to protect your sexual health and wellness.
More questions about PrEP? Visit our PrEP FAQ page.
Your First Step Starts Here
Request an appointment to start your journey. You can have a personal discussion with a medical professional to begin evaluating if PrEP is a good option for you.