FAQs
Filter through the following questions to learn more about PrEP!
PrEP is a daily medication regimen taken by HIV-negative individuals to reduce their risk of contracting HIV.
Skipping a dose or not taking PrEP regularly lowers the medications' ability to protect you. If you take the oral medication:
- Every day, your level of protection is around 99%
- 4 days a week, your level of protection is around 96%
- 2 days a week, your level of protection is around 76%
- It can take 7-20 days from when you take your first pill until it's most effective.
With daily oral PrEP, you take a medication every day to prevent HIV. The drugs are at protective levels in your body at all times. Anyone can choose daily PrEP, but it may be especially helpful if you’re having sex frequently (two or more times per week), if you’re not sure when you’ll have sex next, or if you’re sharing needles.
When taking daily oral PrEP, it’s wise to pair it with a daily routine or habit—for example, when you first wake up, brush your teeth, or take your hormones. Some people use a daily alarm or other device like a pill bottle timer cap to remind them.
PrEP 2-1-1 is taking an oral medication (Truvada) around the times when you have sex, instead of every day. PrEP 2-1-1 is good for times when you can plan ahead for sex and/or are having sex less frequently. If you’re having sex once a week or less, then PrEP 2-1-1 may be easier to use (and less expensive) than daily PrEP. Only Truvada has been studied as 2-1-1, so do not use this dosing strategy with Descovy until more is known.