PrEP Education & Prevention Support

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Understanding PrEP as a Prevention Option

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a proven prevention strategy for people who may be at higher risk of HIV exposure. When taken as prescribed, PrEP significantly reduces the chance of acquiring HIV and is an important tool in comprehensive sexual health care.

PrEP is most effective when combined with regular testing, follow-up care, and ongoing education.

How PrEP Is Used

Most people take PrEP as a once-daily pill. Taking PrEP consistently is essential for it to work effectively.

Research shows that:

• Daily PrEP can reduce the risk of HIV from sexual exposure by more than 90%
• For people who inject drugs, PrEP can reduce risk by over 70%

PrEP works best as part of a broader prevention plan that includes testing and safer sex practices.

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On-Demand (Event-Driven) PrEP

On-demand PrEP, sometimes called "event-driven" or "intermittent" PrEP, is a dosing method that follows a 2-1-1 schedule:

• 2 pills taken 2–24 hours before sex
• 1 pill taken 24 hours after the first dose
• 1 pill taken 24 hours after the second dose

Studies have shown this approach to be effective for cisgender men who have sex with men. On-demand PrEP is not currently included in CDC PrEP guidelines for all populations, so anyone interested should discuss this option with a healthcare provider.

Safety and Side Effects

PrEP is considered safe for most people.

Some individuals may experience mild side effects such as:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Temporary loss of appetite

These effects often go away over time. Rarely, PrEP may affect kidney function, but any changes are usually minor and reversible. Healthcare providers routinely monitor kidney health during PrEP use.

Anyone experiencing persistent or severe side effects should speak with a healthcare provider.

Who May Benefit from PrEP

PrEP may be appropriate for people who:

• Have a sexual partner with HIV
• Do not consistently use condoms
• Have been diagnosed with an STI in recent months
• Share injection equipment
• Are concerned about ongoing or repeated exposure risks

A healthcare provider can help determine whether PrEP is the right choice based on individual needs.

Getting PrEP: Prescriptions, Testing, and Follow-Up

PrEP requires a prescription and ongoing care.

Before starting PrEP, a healthcare provider will:

• Confirm HIV-negative status
• Review medical history
• Order baseline lab tests

While taking PrEP, individuals commit to:

• Taking medication as prescribed
• Routine HIV and STI testing
• Regular follow-up visits

LifeCare Partners Nevada supports individuals through education, referrals, and navigation of prevention services.

Paying for PrEP

Many health insurance plans cover PrEP. For those without insurance or with limited coverage, assistance programs are available.

Support resources include:

• Ready, Set, PrEP – provides PrEP at no cost for eligible individuals
  Visit: readysetprep.hiv.gov
• Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) for prescription support
• Local health centers and health departments that assist with PrEP access

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Learn More

Additional trusted education and support resources:

• www.ashasexualhealth.org
• www.iwannaknow.org
• www.quierosaber.org
• www.nccc-online.org
• www.askexpertsnow.com
• www.YESmeansTEST.org

Content Credit

Educational information provided with reference to materials from the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) and public health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).