PREP, PEP & RAPID ART
For HIV Prevention and Treatment
SHIP-TO-HOME
PHARMACY
We've partnered with an incredible specialty pharmacy, Avita. Through this partnership we have the ability to get you enrolled into the pharmacy program from our office and get your prescription filled and sent to your doorstep. This means you will never have to step foot in another pharmacy again. We’ve got you covered.
PrEP
Truvada
What is PrEP?
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP, is a daily pill that is used to prevent HIV in someone who is HIV negative. PrEP is extremely effective at protecting you from an HIV transmission; however, this only works when the pill is taken every day. PrEP was FDA approved in 2012 and multiple research studies have confirmed its effectiveness, showing that PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by more than 90 percent when used consistently.
PrEP must be taken for 7-20 days to build up protection. Side effects occur in about 10 percent of people and vary from individual to individual; however, those effects go away within a few days after starting the medication and are usually mild.
Is PrEP Expensive?
PrEP, much like any ART (Anti-Retroviral Therapy), can be quite expensive. Luckily, PrEP is FDA approved and therefore covered by most insurance policies. If your insurer does not cover PrEP, or you do not have insurance, our PrEP Navigator can assist you in applying for payment and co-pay assistance programs to cover a portion or all of the cost of PrEP. DO NOT LET THE WORRY OF PAYING FOR PrEP STOP YOU. We have ways to help and will do whatever we can to get you the assistance you deserve.
I Want PrEP
Now that I know about PrEP, where can I get it?
At AIDS Alabama South we have a PrEP Navigator, Prescribing Physician, and a Ship-to-Home pharmacy. We can be your one stop shop when it comes to receiving PrEP.
PEP
Prevent HIV Contraction
What is PEP?
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) means taking antiretroviral medicines (ART) after being potentially exposed to HIV to prevent becoming infected. PEP should be used only in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after possible exposure to HIV.
If you think you’ve recently been exposed to HIV during sex or sharing needles, or if you’ve been sexually assaulted, talk to your health care provider or an emergency room doctor about PEP right away.
Is PEP For Me?
Anyone who has recently had a high-risk exposure to HIV. The sooner the better. If you fit into any of the below categories, within the past 2-3 days, please consider PEP:
-
Unprotected sex with an individual that you do not know their HIV status
-
Unprotected sex with an HIV+ partner who is not on effective treatment and does not have an undetectable viral load.
-
Sharing injection drug using needles with other individuals that you do not know the HIV status of.
-
A victim of Sexual assault
-
Workplace accidents such as healthcare workers who suffer a needle-stick injury.
Since PEP does not guarantee 100% protection from HIV, PEP is not to be used as a prevention method for HIV. Safe sex, the usage of condoms, having open conversations with your partner about each of your sexual health, and PrEP are the best and most effective prevention methods.
Rapid ART
Antiretroviral Therapy
What is Rapid ART?
Rapid ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) refers to starting HIV treatment as soon as possible after the diagnosis of HIV infection. It is the action of starting treatment on the first visit of the new diagnosis preferably on the same day of diagnosis.
I NEED PEP, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If you have recently experienced exposure to HIV- seek immediate medical attention. It is suggested to go to the nearest emergency room or seek medical attention from your Primary Care Physician.
