PrEP & PEP Key Points
- Understanding PrEP & PEP
PrEP and PEP are powerful HIV prevention tools—PrEP is taken before possible exposure, PEP is for emergencies after. - Who Should Take PrEP?
PrEP is for HIV-negative people at higher risk—if you have an HIV-positive partner, recent STIs, multiple partners, or use injection drugs, ask your doctor. - Who Should Take PEP?
PEP is for anyone who may have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours—unprotected sex, shared needles, or sexual assault. Act fast! - Where Can I Get PrEP & PEP?
You can get PrEP or PEP from doctors, community clinics, urgent care, ERs, and LGBTQ+ health centers. Many places offer help with costs. - Take Action Early!
Don’t wait—early action is key for HIV prevention. Reach out, get tested, and stay protected.
Maybe you’re here because last night didn’t go as planned. Or because someone you care about just shared something important with you. Maybe you’ve been putting off this conversation with yourself for weeks, and tonight you finally typed “HIV prevention” into a search bar.
Whatever brought you here, you’re taking a step that matters. And you’re not alone in feeling uncertain about what comes next.
When it comes to HIV, the landscape has changed dramatically. We have tools today that our community could only dream of decades ago—medications that can reduce your risk by over 99%. But knowing these options exist and actually accessing them are two very different things.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by medical terms, worried about costs, or uncertain about having these conversations with healthcare providers, that’s completely understandable. Many people feel exactly the same way.
Let’s walk through what PrEP and PEP actually are, who they’re for, and—maybe most importantly—how to navigate the practical and emotional parts of getting the protection you need.
What is PrEP?
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is a daily medication taken by people who are HIV-negative but at higher risk of exposure.
When taken consistently, PrEP can reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Among people who inject drugs, it lowers the risk of HIV transmission by at least 74 percent.
PrEP works by building up a level of HIV-fighting medication in your bloodstream. If you are exposed to the virus, the medication helps block it from establishing an HIV infection. But for PrEP to be effective, it needs to be taken daily as prescribed.
What Kinds of PrEP Are Available?
There are currently two FDA-approved medications for PrEP: Truvada and Descovy. Both are combinations of antiretroviral therapy drugs that help prevent HIV from taking hold and spreading in the body.
- Truvada: is approved for all people at risk through sex or injection drug use.
- Descovy: is currently only approved for people assigned male at birth who are at risk through sex. It is not for those at risk from receptive vaginal sex, as it has not been studied in that population.
Who Should Consider PrEP?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is recommended for anyone who may be at increased risk of HIV infection. This includes:
People in a sexual relationship with someone who is HIV-positive.
- Individuals who have sex without condoms, especially with sexual partners of unknown status.
- People who have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past six months.
- Those who participate in injection drug use or share needles.
- People who exchange sex for money, housing, or other needs.
If any of these apply to you, talk to a healthcare provider about whether PrEP is a good fit. PrEP is considered safe for most people, but regular follow-up is essential. You will need to get tested for HIV and monitored for side effects every three months.
What is PEP?
PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. Unlike PrEP, which is taken to prevent HIV infection, PEP is used after possible HIV exposure.
PEP involves taking antiretroviral medications for 28 days and must be started within 72 hours of possible exposure. While PEP is very effective when started promptly and taken correctly, it is not 100 percent foolproof. It also does not protect against future HIV exposures, which is why ongoing prevention strategies are still important.
Who is PEP For?
PEP is designed for emergency situations. This HIV medicine is intended for people who may have been exposed to HIV and are not already taking PrEP. This can include:
- Someone who has had unprotected sex with a partner whose HIV status is unknown or known to be positive.
- Survivors of sexual assault.
- Individuals who shared needles or other injection drug equipment.
- Healthcare workers who may have been exposed through needlestick injuries or other occupational hazards.
PEP is not meant to replace regular HIV prevention strategies. If you find yourself needing PEP more than once, talk to a provider about the possibility of starting PrEP.
How to Access PrEP and PEP
Both PrEP and PEP require a prescription from a healthcare provider, but there are many accessible ways to get started.
For PrEP, you’ll need an HIV test to confirm your negative status before starting the medication. You’ll also need regular follow-up appointments, typically every three months, to check for HIV, monitor side effects, and ensure continued protection.
You can get PrEP through:
- Primary care doctors
- HIV/AIDS service organizations
- Community health centers
- LGBTQ+ health providers
Many health insurance plans cover the cost of PrEP. However, there are assistance programs available to help with out-of-pocket expenses for those without insurance.
PEP is considered an emergency medication, so it is available in urgent care centers, emergency rooms, and some walk-in clinics. If you think you need PEP, do not wait. Call a healthcare provider, visit an emergency room, or use a telehealth service immediately. Time is critical.
Common Questions About PrEP and PEP
Do these HIV medications have side effects?
Most people tolerate PrEP and PEP well. Some may experience mild side effects like nausea, headache, or fatigue when starting the medication. These usually go away after a few days. Your doctor will monitor your kidney and liver function during use to ensure your body is handling the medication safely.
Do I still need to use condoms if I’m on PrEP or PEP?
Yes. While PrEP and PEP protect against HIV transmission, they do not prevent other sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis. Condoms remain an essential part of a safer sex strategy.
What if I miss a dose?
For PrEP, occasional missed doses may still offer protection, but consistency is key. Try not to skip days. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. For PEP, it is very important to take every dose on schedule. Missing doses could reduce the effectiveness of the medication.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
Reading about HIV prevention and actually taking action are two different things. If you’re feeling uncertain, that’s normal. These decisions involve your body, your relationships, and sometimes difficult conversations.
Maybe you’re worried about what a healthcare provider might think. Maybe you’re concerned about costs, or whether your insurance will cover it. Maybe you’re not sure how to bring this up with a partner. These concerns are real, and they matter.
But here’s what also matters: you deserve to feel safe and confident in your choices. You deserve healthcare providers who listen without judgment. You deserve accurate information and support that meets you where you are.
If you think you might be at risk, or if you’ve recently experienced a potential HIV exposure, trust that instinct. The conversations might feel awkward at first, but they get easier. The first step is often the hardest one.
Ready to Take That Next Step?
At Side by Side, we understand that getting HIV prevention care isn’t just about medical facts—it’s about feeling supported through the whole process. Whether you need help accessing medication, want confidential testing, or just need someone to talk through your questions without judgment, we’re here.
We’ve walked alongside Indianapolis residents through these exact conversations, and we know that compassionate, knowledgeable support makes all the difference.
Explore the resources on our site or contact us when you’re ready. We’ll be here.
