PrEP

Take charge of your sexual health!

PrEP

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

What is PrEP?

PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis) is a daily medicine regimen people at risk for HIV take to prevent contracting the virus. PrEP can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body. When taken daily, PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV from sex or injection drug use.

How can I get PrEP?

APLA Health’s clinics provide exceptional PrEP care from knowledgeable healthcare providers. In addition to PrEP medical care and PrEP navigation services, our clinics also offer HIV testing, STD testing/treatment, primary care, behavioral health services including mental health and substance abuse counseling, and benefits navigation.

These services are available at low cost, and in some cases, for free. For more information, book an appointment today! You can also call us at 213.201.5000.

Locations

Out Here Sexual Health Center, Baldwin Hills
3741 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90016

Out Here Sexual Health Services, CDU/MLK Medical Campus
1679 E. 120th St., Los Angeles, CA 90059

APLA Health Center, Mid-Wilshire
5901 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 500, Los Angeles, CA 90036

APLA Health Center, Long Beach
1043 Elm Ave., Suite 302, Long Beach, CA 90813

PrEP Assistance Programs

APLA Health takes most insurance plans and offers PrEP assistance plans. Please book an appointment with us to get more information.

We do not take Kaiser Permanente insurance. Please call your Kaiser provider to learn how to access PrEP.

Need help paying for PrEP?
If you live in California and make below $62,000/year you may qualify for free PrEP. Please book an appointment with us to get more information.

PrEP-AP
Assists uninsured and underinsured clients with PrEP related medical visits and lab work

Gilead Advancing Access
Assists uninsured clients with full coverage of PrEP prescription

Gilead Co-Pay Card
Assists insured clients with PrEP prescription co-pays

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PrEP FAQs

What are the side effects of PrEP?

Side effects of PrEP differ from person to person. The most common side effects clients report are upset stomach and headache for the first two weeks. If your side effects last longer than two weeks make sure to tell your healthcare provider.

What's the pill for PrEP called?

There are currently two FDA approved medicines for PrEP: Truvada and Descovy. Currently, Truvada is the only FDA approved medicine for cisgender women.

How long does it take for PrEP to be effective in my body?

It takes 7 days for PrEP to be fully effective in the anal area, and 21 days to be effective in the vaginal area and blood stream. We typically tell all new PrEP clients to still practice safe sex for a month so your body has time to build up enough PrEP in its system.

Do I have to take PrEP every day?

In order for PrEP to be over 90% effective you must take one pill once a day.

Once I start PrEP do I have to take it for the rest of my life?

No one knows your body like you do, so it is entirely up to you to decide when to start and stop taking PrEP. If you’re on PrEP and feel like your risk of getting HIV has significantly decreased, then you can make the decision to stop taking PrEP. Just let your PrEP Navigator know before you stop. If you stopped taking PrEP and want to start it again you would just make an appointment with your PrEP Navigator. Just remember, once you start PrEP again you have to wait 7 days for it to be fully effective in the anal area and 21 days for it to be effective in the vaginal area and blood stream.

I'm transgender and am on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Can I still take PrEP?

There is currently no data that suggests that PrEP and HRT interfere with one another. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of all the current prescriptions you are on.

Is PrEP just for gay and promiscuous people?

This is one of the biggest misconceptions about PrEP! PrEP is for ANYONE who wants to stay HIV negative.

I heard PrEP is expensive. Can I can afford it?

Absolutely! There are several patient assistance programs that can help you get PrEP at little to no cost to you. Call us today to find out more.

I am not a US citizen. Can you still help me?

As long as you live in California we can assist you in getting on PrEP for little to no cost. Your privacy is our utmost priority. We do not report any patient information to ICE.