Prevent HIV
with PrEP
PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a medication that prevents the person taking it from getting HIV through sex. When a person who is HIV-negative takes PrEP as prescribed, it is 99% effective at preventing HIV through sex and 74% effective at preventing HIV through injection drug use.
PrEP FAQ
What is PrEP?
PrEP is a medication that people take to prevent getting HIV. The FDA has approved two oral PrEP medications (TRUVADA® or DESCOVY®) that must be taken daily. Generic brands are available under the name Tenofovir/Emtricitabine (TDF/FTC). In December 2021, the FDA also approved an injectable form of PrEP (Apretude), a shot that must be given by a medical provider every other month.
Get PrEP help
A PrEP navigator or your local public health authority can help you decide if PrEP is right for you. If it is, they can help you learn how to get it and stay on it. There are PrEP navigators and partners throughout Oregon:
- Portland metropolitan area: Cascade AIDS Project
- Willamette Valley, Southern Oregon, and the Oregon Coast: HIV Alliance
- Eastern Oregon: Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living
Who should take PrEP?
PrEP may be a good option for you if you consistently have sex without using condoms or share needles with people whose HIV status (or viral suppression status) you don’t know. Talk with your health care provider or a PrEP navigator to see if PrEP is right for you.
Is PrEP covered by insurance?
Yes. In June 2020, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) gave daily oral PrEP its strongest rating recommendation, a Grade A. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most private health plans and all Medicaid-expansion programs must cover all USPSTF Grade A recommended services free-of-charge, without co-pays or cost-sharing to insured persons.
Get help paying for PrEP
The Oregon Health Plan (OHP) covers PrEP and all services related to PrEP at no cost for people who are eligible. Healthier Oregon, a program created by an Oregon law passed in November 2021, expands health coverage through OHP to adults who are eligible except for their documentation status. Specific groups of individuals will qualify to receive full OHP benefits, including PrEP, under this law. You can apply for OHP online or talk with an outreach worker to learn more.
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) prevents HIV after a possible exposure
When to take PEP
PEP can be taken in emergencies and should be started within 72 hours after possible exposure to HIV. People take PEP after they may have used the same needle or syringe as someone living with HIV, had a sexual encounter with high likelihood of HIV exposure, or experienced an accidental needle stick in a health care setting. If you need PEP now, outreach workers can help you get a PEP prescription or go to your nearest emergency department.
How to get PEP
To get PEP, check with your primary care provider (PCP) or your local Planned Parenthood, urgent care, or emergency room as soon as possible to see if they provide it. A PEP navigator can also help answer questions about how to find and pay for PEP.
Find a PEP navigator
You can find a PEP navigator in the Portland area by contacting Cascade AIDS Project PEP navigators.
In the Willamette Valley, Southern Oregon, or on the Coast, contact HIV Alliance.
In Eastern Oregon, contact the Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living.