What is PrEP?

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is an HIV prevention medication that HIV-negative individuals take to reduce their risk of contracting HIV. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV...

How effective is PrEP?

  • PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed.

  • PrEP is less effective when not taken as prescribed.


How long does PrEP take to work?

  • For (Assigned Male At Birth)AMAB bodies, PrEP pills reach maximum protection from HIV at about 7 days of daily use.

  • For (Assigned Female At Birth) AFAB bodies, PrEP pills reach maximum protection at about 21 days of daily use.

Can I take PrEP just once, if I think I might have recently been exposed to HIV?

  • PrEP is for people who are at ongoing risk for HIV.

  • PrEP is not the right choice for people who may have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours.

  • If you may have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, talk to your health care provider about PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).