PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis) is for people who are not living with HIV and would like to remain HIV-negative and is a combination of safe sex practices and a daily medication. It contains two medications: tenofovir and emtricitabine. It is known to be 99% effective in protection against HIV.

PrEP is an excellent option for people who are: weigh at least 77 pounds (35kg), are currently HIV-negative, and meet one or more of the following criteria:

• In a sexual relationship with someone who is living with HIV, especially when they are not undetectable
• In a sexual relationship with a partner or multiple partners, with an unknown HIV status
• One or more incidences of anal or vaginal sex without a condom in the last 6 months
• Diagnosis of gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis in the last 6 months
• Inject drugs not prescribed by a medical provider or share works for drug preparation
• Have a partner living with detectable HIV

PrEP will not be a good option for those who meet any of the following:

• Are already living with HIV. PrEP is not enough to treat HIV.
• Who have symptoms of acute HIV infection or have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours (PEP may be a better option).
• Diagnosed with Hepatitis B, uncontrollable diabetes or impaired kidney function.

Truvada® for PrEP work by blocking an enzyme called HIV reverse transcriptase. By blocking this enzyme, it prevents HIV from making more copies of itself in the body. You will remain HIV negative if the virus can’t make enough copies of itself in your system.