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PrEP
Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), provided by the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County (DOH-Charlotte), is an HIV prevention method that HIV-negative people who are at high risk for HIV can take daily to help prevent HIV infection. Currently, Truvada (oral medication) and Desovy (injectable medication) are the only approved medications for PrEP.
When taken regularly, PrEP is a powerful HIV prevention tool, but does not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is highly effective for preventing HIV if used as prescribed, but it is much less effective when not taken consistently. PrEP should be used in conjunction with other prevention methods such as condoms to reduce the risk of infection. Truvada and Desovy should be used under the care of a medical provider.
PrEP may be a good option for you if:
- Your partner lives with HIV
- Your partner’s HIV status is not known
- You have had an STI in the past six months
- You use injection drugs
- Your partner uses injection drugs
- You have more than one partner
- You use condoms inconsistently
Please call DOH-Charlotte to schedule an appointment if you are ready to start PrEP, or you have any questions.
Resources
nPEP
Non-Occupational Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (nPEP) is a medical intervention designed to prevent HIV infection after exposure to the virus. To be effective, nPEP must be started within 72 hours after a possible exposure and must be taken for 28 days.
If you think you have recently been exposed to HIV, please call DOH-Charlotte immediately.