PREP, PEP & RAPID ART
For HIV Prevention and Treatment
SHIP-TO-HOME
PHARMACY
We've partnered with an incredible specialty pharmacy, Avita. Through this partnership we have the ability to get you enrolled into the pharmacy program from our office and get your prescription filled and sent to your doorstep. This means you will never have to step foot in another pharmacy again. We’ve got you covered.
PrEP
What is PrEP?
PrEP is a medication to prevent transmission of HIV that can be taken in different ways. This section pertains to pills that are taken orally.
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When used consistently, PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection by up to 99%.
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PrEP does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
PrEP is for HIV-negative people to help protect against HIV infection. PrEP is appropriate for people of any sexual orientation, gender identity or race. PrEP does not interact with alcohol or recreational drugs, and it does not interact with hormones. PrEP may not be for everyone, but everyone should consider it.
Long-Acting Injectables (LAI) for PrEP
Living Well Health Clinic believes that long-acting injectable treatments, or LAIs, are one of the keys to ending the HIV epidemic in Alabama and around the country. LAIs are relatively new in the HIV prevention space—but we are the leading provider in Birmingham.
What are LAIs?
Long-acting injectables are extended-release medications you receive as injections on a specific schedule. These medications for PrEP prevent the transmission of HIV.
Which medications are available?
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Apretude (cabotegravir) is an intramuscular injection given by a provider in our clinic every two months after the initial first two monthly doses.
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Yeztugo (lenacapavir) is a set of two subcutaneous injections given by our provider in our clinic every six months. Yeztugo is initiated with two oral tablets taken with the first two injections followed by two more oral tablets the next day.
What are the benefits of LAIs?
LAIs are a great option for individuals for whom taking a daily pill is a challenge. Although LAIs patient appointments are required every 2 or 6 months, people have reported an improved experience due to the lack of daily pills, and clinical trials show that long-acting injectables have a higher rate of HIV prevention when patients adhere to the recommended schedule.
PEP
What is PEP?
PEP is a way to stop HIV infection after a possible exposure – for example, if a condom breaks, if you have been sexually assaulted, or if you had unprotected sex and are unsure of the status of your partner.
You must start PEP within 72 hours after the exposure for it to be effective. You should come in for PEP as soon as possible after an exposure.
PEP medication must be taken for approximately a month (28 days) consecutively after the exposure.
Is PEP For Me?
Anyone who has recently had a high-risk exposure to HIV. The sooner the better. If you fit into any of the below categories, within the past 2-3 days, please consider PEP:
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Unprotected sex with an individual that you do not know their HIV status
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Unprotected sex with an HIV+ partner who is not on effective treatment and does not have an undetectable viral load.
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Sharing injection drug using needles with other individuals that you do not know the HIV status of.
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A victim of sexual assault
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Workplace accidents such as healthcare workers who suffer a needle-stick injury.
Since PEP does not guarantee 100% protection from HIV, PEP is not to be used as a prevention method for HIV. Safe sex, the usage of condoms, having open conversations with your partner about each of your sexual health, and PrEP are the best and most effective prevention methods.
DoxyPEP
Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, or DoxyPEP, is a relatively new method of sexually transmitted infection prevention that can help Alabamians stay safe after sexual encounters. Living Well Health Clinic is here to be a resource for existing patients and anyone looking for more information on the method.
Rapid ART
What is Rapid ART?
Rapid ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) refers to starting HIV treatment as soon as possible after the diagnosis of HIV infection. It is the action of starting treatment on the first visit of the new diagnosis preferably on the same day of diagnosis.
Is PrEP Expensive?
PrEP, much like any ART (Anti-Retroviral Therapy), can be quite expensive. Luckily, PrEP is FDA approved and therefore covered by most insurance policies. If your insurer does not cover PrEP, or you do not have insurance, our PrEP Navigator can assist you in applying for payment and co-pay assistance programs to cover a portion or all of the cost of PrEP. DO NOT LET THE WORRY OF PAYING FOR PrEP STOP YOU. We have ways to help and will do whatever we can to get you the assistance you deserve.
I Want PrEP
Now that I know about PrEP, where can I get it?
At AIDS Alabama we have a PrEP Navigator, Prescribing Physician, and a Ship-to-Home pharmacy. We can be your one stop shop when it comes to receiving PrEP.
