FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is PrEP safe?
No significant health effects have been seen in people who are HIV negative and have taken PrEP for up to 5 years. However, some people experience side effects that are usually not serious and go away with time. Be aware that PrEP protects you against HIV but not against other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
I Don’t Have Health Insurance, How Can I Pay The Cost?
PrEP is covered by most health insurance. If you do not have health insurance you can enter a support program and receive the medication at little or no cost. Also, here at Shalom, you can apply for and access a medical discount and get your lab test free or at a low cost.
Does PrEP Interfere With My Hormone Therapy?
There is no evidence that PrEP interacts with hormonal treatments. However, there is evidence that taking PrEP in the manner recommended by medical providers effectively prevents HIV in transgender women.
What Are The Side Effects of PrEP?
PrEP can have some immediate effects in some people such as headache, dizziness, diarrhea, hallucinations, vivid dreams, nausea and/or vomiting. Many of these side effects do not last for more than 3 to 4 days without any additional serious side effects.
Is PrEP Permanent?
PrEP achieves maximum protection after 7 days of daily use. If you forget to take it for four days or more, the protection disappears. The decision is yours; you must make it based on your sexual practice. You should also consider other prevention methods (such as condoms) as PrEP helps you only to prevent HIV, not other sexually transmitted diseases.
I Am HIV+, Is PrEP For Me?
PrEP is only for people who are not living with HIV. If you are HIV positive, you can start or continue your antiretroviral treatment to control the virus with other medication that is not PrEP.
Where Can I Get PrEP?
Get Tested & Start PrEP
PrEP is a once-daily pill that can reduce your chances of contracting HIV by 90%. Schedule an appointment for a free HIV test and evaluation to see if you are eligible for PrEP.
HRSA Statement
Shalom Health Care Center, Inc. receives federal funding from Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and has Federal Public Health Service (PHS) deemed status with respect to certain health
Shalom’s Primary Care Site(s) are supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number H80CS00880 – Community Health Center Programs and 15% percentage financed with nongovernmental sources. This information is provided by Shalom Health care Center, Inc. It should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.”