PrEP

According to the CDC, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV. Studies have shown that when PrEP is taken daily, it reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and by at least 74% from needle sharing.

The following data is in reference to oral PrEP (pill form) only.

For receptive anal sex (bottoming), PrEP is fully effective after about 7 days of daily use. For receptive vaginal sex and injection drug use, PrEP is fully effective after about 21 days of daily use.

There is currently no data on the timeline for reaching full effectiveness for people engaging in insertive anal sex (topping) or insertive vaginal sex. Talk with your provider for further guidance.

You can take PrEP as long as you want to protect yourself from HIV. It’s perfectly safe to stop taking the medication at any time. If you decide to re-start later, please come see us and we’ll help get you back on PrEP.

PrEP is for everyone! We encourage anyone who is HIV negative and thinks they’re at risk to discuss PrEP with their trusted provider.

PrEP is strongly encouraged for anyone who:

• Does not consistently use condoms
• Has had an STI diagnosis in the last 6 months
• Has sexual partners whose HIV status is unknown and/or partners who are HIV+ with a detectable viral load
• Injects drugs and may share injection equipment and/or works with others

Red Door staff can help you decide if PrEP is right for you.

Currently, Red Door only prescribes PrEP to certain individuals. Call the clinic at 612-543-5555 if you want to discuss starting PrEP.

If Red Door isn’t the right fit, our staff can help connect you with other local PrEP providers. You can also find a directory of PrEP providers at PrepLocator.org.

Most people pay little or nothing for PrEP, and insurance plans usually cover the medication. If you are uninsured, Red Door staff will help you sign up for patient assistance programs to cover the cost of PrEP.

Financial assistance is available through the following programs:

• Ready, Set, PrEP
• Advancing Access
• Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-pay Relief

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a medication for people who don’t have HIV but may have been exposed to it within the last 72 hours. PEP appointments are available during regular clinic hours.

The sooner you see a provider for PEP the better, since PEP is most effective when taken closest to the time of exposure. If you need PEP outside of our regular business hours, reach out to your primary care doctor or contact another provider who can help you sooner.