About PrEP
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is considered an antiretroviral medicine that reduces your chances of getting HIV from sex or injection drugs. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is effective in preventing HIV infection.
PrEP is used to prevent HIV infection. PrEP is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation as well as under different brand names, including Truvada, Descovy, and Apretude.
PrEP may be prescribed as an oral tablet or injection. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.
If you're prescribed PrEP, be sure to complete the full course of the PrEP medication unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t complete your prescription, the PrEP medication may not work as effectively to prevent HIV infection.
PrEP uses
There is one FDA-approved use for PrEP, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe PrEP for the following reason. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor or pharmacist.
HIV prevention
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is FDA-approved to reduce the chances of developing HIV from sex or injection drug use in HIV-negative patients. PrEP should be used together with safe-sex practices to reduce the high risk of of contracting HIV.
PrEP side effects
The side- effects typically associated with taking PrEP are typically mild. Most PrEP side effects are associated with headaches.
PrEP has some common side effects. They may include:
Headache or dizziness
Nausea and stomach pain
Weight loss
Other side effects, which are less common but might have increased risk or be more severe, could include:Lactic acidosis
Sudden or unusual bone pain
Kidney or liver problems
You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. Tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of HIV, such as muscle or joint pain, sore throat, and night sweats.
The use of PrEP is approved in pediatric patients weighing over 37 pounds (17 kg). It is not known whether PrEP is safe and effective for children under 37 pounds.
How to take PrEP
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your PrEP prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
PrEP can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. Use all PrEP medications as directed, and avoid changing your dosing schedule without your doctor's advice. You can take PrEP medication with or without food.
When taking PrEP, you will need frequent lab tests to check your liver and kidney function, as well as your bone density.
PrEP alone will not protect you from HIV infection. It's important to use safe-sex practices and get HIV testing regularly.
What to avoid while taking PrEP
PrEP has 212 drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
Possible drug interactions with PrEP prescriptions include:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including Advil and Motrin
High blood pressure medicine
Medication for cancer, infections, or organ transplant rejection
Talk to your doctor before drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol weakens the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infections.
Medication alternatives to PrEP
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another antiretroviral or PrEP medication in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
HIV prevention
PrEP prescription FAQs
How much does PrEP cost?
Depending on your pharmacy, PrEP costs around $1,758 for a 30-day supply without insurance or other patient assistance programs.
Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover pre-exposure prophylaxis. Check with your insurance company to see if PrEP is covered by your health insurance plan. Patient assistance programs can help make PrEP affordable if you don't have health insurance.Will My Insurance Pay for PrEP?
Your pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prescription should be covered if you have insurance. You will only need to worry about copays or, depending on your plan, deductibles. However, when starting any new medication, contacting your insurance company and verifying your coverage is a good idea.
Gilead, the maker of Truvada, has copay assistance that makes getting on Truvada PrEP, the HIV prevention pill, highly affordable to almost anyone. Many patients pay nothing out of pocket costs for PrEP.What are PrEP insurance and copay assistance options?
Insurance plans typically cover PrEP costs via Pharmacy Benefits. Considering that the PrEP prevention pill can cost up to $20,000 a year, this can help PrEP users save a significant amount of money.
If you book an appointment with a PlushCare doctor to discuss the PrEP drug, you will learn how much insurance will cover before you commit to a treatment regimen.
PlushCare also provides each patient with a PrEP Coordinator who will guide you through the payment process and check if you are eligible for assistance programs.
Buyer beware: sometimes you will be billed due to a high deductible. Make sure to check with your PrEP provider to confirm that your insurance company has been billed properly.
PlushCare has had patients on the PrEP drug covered by the following health insurers, insurance plans and more:Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Shield of California
Anthem Blue Cross
Aetna
Humana
Molina
Delta Health
Marketplace plans
IEHP
Healthnet
TriCare
Highmark
Coventry
Oxford
Carefirst
Medi-Cal
Medicare
In 2014, California started covering PrEP costs via the state's Medicaid program, Medi-Cal. California continues to make PrEP accessible as the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has partnered with PlushCare to provide free access to PrEP statewide at home testing.
Today, "most insurance plans and state Medicaid programs cover PrEP," according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "There are also other programs that provide PrEP for free or at a reduced cost," such as Ready, Set, PrEP, which makes the HIV prevention drug available at no cost to eligible patients.How to get PrEP without insurance?
You can get PrEP without insurance. If uninsured, the best way to get PrEP is to visit Gilead's Advancing Access website and fill out a quick form to understand your options better.
If you do not have insurance but think you would make a strong PrEP candidate, you can find a community health center near you to learn more about available assistance programs.
Alternatively, you can book an appointment with us to meet with one of our board-certified doctors on your phone and discuss your PrEP treatment options. We accept uninsured and self-pay members for a first visit cost of $129 and a follow-up visit cost of $99. If one of our experienced doctors cannot help you, you will get your money back.How can I refill my PrEP prescription?
To refill your PrEP prescription, book a virtual appointment with a board-certified PlushCare doctor. After reviewing your medical history, your doctor can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy.
Who should not take PrEP?
To make sure PrEP is right for you, tell your doctor if you have:
Liver disease
Impaired kidney function
Osteopenia (low bone mineral density)
Hepatitis C
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding
If you've tested positive for HIV
PrEP isn't the same thing as PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). PrEP is an ongoing treatment for people who have been exposed to HIV in the past 72 hours.Can I drink alcohol while on PrEP?
There are no known interactions between alcohol and PrEP. However, drinking alcohol can weaken your immune system, which can make it harder for your body to fight an HIV infection.
Can I take PrEP any time of the day?
Yes, you can take PrEP at any time of the day, with or without food. Make sure to take PrEP at the same time each day.
What are the disadvantages of using PrEP?
Although PrEP is safe, some people may experience side effects such as nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain.
Should I take PrEP if my partner is undetectable?
No, you don't need to take PrEP if your sexual partner is undetectable. An undetectable viral load means the level of HIV is too low to measure through blood tests. As a result, HIV will not be transmitted through sex.
Is PrEP effective after three days?
When taken within 72 hours of possible exposure, PrEP is highly effective in preventing HIV. After 72 hours, PrEP will not be as effective.
What happens if I miss a dose of PrEP?
If you miss a dose of PrEP, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for your next dose. Avoid taking two doses to make up for a missed dose.
What happens if I take too much PrEP?
If you've taken too much PrEP, seek emergency medical attention or contact your local poison control center.
3 simple steps to request your PrEP prescription today

Step 1
Book a visit with a doctor to discuss PrEP.
During your first visit, your PlushCare doctor will review your medical history and health goals.

Step 2
Talk to your physician regarding PrEP medication.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer. Lab work is required, and they’ll send an order to your preferred lab or deliver a lab kit to your home. Once your results are available, your doctor will review them and discuss all treatment options.

Step 3
Pick up your PrEP medication, if prescribed.
Prescriptions are provided based on eligibility and safety. Our physicians will prescribe medications and monitor your kidney function while taking PrEP.
PrEP prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your PrEP prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
Copay
For all visits
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $99
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About PrEP. Accessed on November 23, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prep/about-prep.html
HIV.gov. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. Accessed on November 23, 2022. https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-prevention/using-hiv-medication-to-reduce-risk/pre-exposure-prophylaxis
Planned Parenthood. PrEP and HIV. Accessed on November 23, 2022. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/hiv-aids/prep