PrEP Medication

Alcohol and PrEP are well-tolerated together. But, when drinking alcohol, your judgment may become impaired. This may lead to poor choices, such as having risky sex or forgetting your PrEP pill or appointment. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are concerned about using recreational drugs or alcohol while on PrEP.

PrEP is safe to take with most other medications. One exception is non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen. The reason for this is the added pressure NSAIDs put on the kidneys and liver. For that reason, avoid NSAIDs as much as possible while on PrEP. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about [...]

We recommend you get your prescription from your Community Health Center’s partner pharmacy. Although you can use another pharmacy, using a CHC partner pharmacy will keep resources in the community and help us keep prescriptions affordable for everyone in it.

For Apretude, if you think you will miss a shot by more than seven days, contact your provider right away. You may be able to get an oral dose (for up to two months) that will replace the shot you missed. If you take PrEP pills and miss a dose, don’t panic. When you remember, [...]

Truvada is another pill form of PrEP. Like Descovy, Truvada must be taken once a day, every day. It is important that you do not miss any doses. Unlike Descovy, Truvada can be used by those assigned female at birth or those who have receptive vaginal sex.

Descovy is a pill that you take once a day. It’s essential to keep up with this medication. If you miss a dose even one day, the medication won’t work as well. Descovy can only be taken if you were assigned male at birth.

Apretude is the only shot approved for PrEP. After you get initial shots - one the first month and one the second - you’ll get injections every other month. The medication releases slowly over time, meaning you don’t have to remember to take a daily pill. Apretude may be a good option if you struggle [...]

Three medications are approved for PrEP. Two of the medications, Descovy and Truvada, are pills that are taken daily. The third, Apretude, is a medicine given by injection every two months after two initial monthly shots. When choosing a medication, think about your lifestyle and what would work best for you. For some people, taking [...]