PrEP Care

Live Protected, Not Preoccupied

Reduce HIV Transmission Risk By 99%

PrEP has become a commonplace prevention plan among members of the LGBTQ+ community ever since it was introduced in 2012 under the name Truvada.

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and is a medication that offers an effective way for individuals to prevent HIV infection from taking hold and spreading in the body. Thanks to new advances in drug development, PrEP is now available both as a daily pill and as a twice-yearly injection known as Yeztugo. Find out more about this revolutionary drug here.

How Does PrEP Work?

PrEP utilizes antiretrovirals, the same medications used to fight HIV. This method involves “preloading” the body with these drugs before potential exposure to the virus. By doing so, PrEP helps prevent HIV from replicating, thereby stopping it from establishing an infection should you be exposed. 

Is PrEP The Right Choice For You?

Anyone who is sexually active and HIV-negative can benefit from either form of PrEP. Spectrum’s excellent medical care team can help you decide if PrEP is right for you and which treatment would be best. It’s important to note that PrEP does not guard against other STIs, and having an active STI can increase the risk of contracting HIV.  

What Are The Key Differences Between The Injection and The Daily Pill? 

Choosing the right PrEP option for you comes down to preference for occasional shots versus a daily pill. Yeztugo only requires two shots per year and is considered to be a better option for patients who find it inconvenient to take a daily pill, or have trouble remembering.

Yeztugo can also be seen as a more discreet option for many people, and a foolproof approach to reducing HIV infection in the community.

Are there side effects?

With any PrEP medication, some people might experience mild initial side effects such as nausea, loss of appetite, headaches, fever, muscle pain, and rash. These side effects improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Many people taking PrEP don’t experience any side effects at all. 

What’s the next step?

Starting or switching PrEP medications is a relatively straightforward process that your Spectrum Care Team is happy to explore with you. As part of your initial assessment, we’ll provide an HIV test, discuss exposure risks, and conduct screebubgs fir STIs and kidney function. With our comprehensive approach, you and your provider will decide which medication options work best for you.

Reach out to us if you’d like to make an appointment to learn more about PrEP.