3 Steps to PrEP
1. PREPARE!
If you think PrEP is right for you, you will need to talk to a Primary Care Provider (PCP) and call your insurance company.
Find a PCP
Don’t have a PCP? Uncomfortable talking with the one
you have? Here are some ways you can still access PrEP:
1.) Find one in Ohio at OhioPrEP.org/get-prep, or find one nationally using preplocator.org
2.) Call your insurance company and ask for a list of providers (ask for doctors or nurse practitioners).
3.) Go to your local Public Health Department or STD clinic for advice about good PCPs.
4.) Check out the “Trusted PrEP Providers in Central Ohio” listing in the back of this pamphlet
5.) Help your current PCP understand PrEP by taking this pamphlet with you to your appointment
Call Your Insurance
3 costs come with taking PrEP. It’s always best to call your insurance to make sure everything is covered before you schedule your first appointment.
1.) PrEP Medication: The medication approved for PrEP is called Truvada®. Check to see if it’s covered and how much your copay will be.
2.) Office Visits: Usually a $20 - $30 copay per visit.
3.) Labs: Find out if your insurance covers HIV testing, routine bloodwork (CMP/CBC), and STI tests.
Cost Assistance
There are Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) for people with and without insurance. Some require proof of income and may need to be submitted by a doctor.
You can find a list of these PAPs on OhioPrEP.org under
FAQs. You can also find a pharmacy to help you enroll
in these programs.
PAPS THROUGH MAKERS OF PREP:
GileadCopay.com / 1-877-505-6986.
PAPS THROUGH PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS:
PAF: visit copays.org or call 1-866-512-3861
PAN: visit panfoundation.org or call 1-866-316-7263
2. VISIT YOUR PCP!
Once you find a Primary Care Provider (PCP),
call their office and schedule an appointment.
The First Appointment (15 mins.-1 hr.)
1.) When you arrive, have your ID ready, check in with the receptionist, and wait to be called.
2.) A health care professional will take some measurements and ask about your medical history (including hepatitis B exposure or vaccination) & any medications you are taking.
3.) When the doctor arrives, have a PrEP talk! She or he may: Ask questions about your sex life (This may be uncomfortable, but it is important to be honest); Test for HIV and other STIs; Test for normal kidney function (blood test); and Give you a prescription for PrEP and contact your preferred pharmacy.
3. GET YOUR PREP!
Once your doctor prescribes PrEP, pick up your meds from the pharmacy, take the meds regularly, and visit your Primary Care Provider often.
Pick Up Your PrEP
1.) Call the pharmacy to make sure your prescription is ready.
2.) Arrive with your ID and insurance card. If you were given a paper prescription, bring it with you.
3.) Pay your copay for the medication (if total cost is not covered by insurance or a patient assistance program).
The Follow-Up Appointment (30 mins.)
When your PCP prescribes PrEP, you will need to return every 3 months for check-ups. PrEP is only enough to prevent HIV, not treat it, so your PCP needs to be sure you’re still HIV negative. Each appointment will include the following:
1.) Questions about sex life
2.) Questions about your PrEP experience
3.) Test for HIV and other STIs
4.) Prescription for PrEP refill
THINGS TO REMEMBER
1.) Take Meds Regularly
2.) PrEP is most effective if taken daily, but if you miss a pill, do not panic. Simply take the next pill as soon as possible. Do not double dose.
3.) If you have missed taking your daily PrEP dose for 7 days or longer, consult your provider before restarting PrEP.
Visit Your PCP Often
When you start PrEP, it is important to monitor your health. While taking this medicine you will need to:
1.) Go to appointments every 3 months.
2.) Contact your PCP if you want to stop taking PrEP.
3.) Contact your PCP if you are having trouble remembering to take your pills.
Prevent STIs
Always use a barrier method (condoms, dental dams, etc) to protect yourself from other STIs.
**Call your PCP IMMEDIATELY if you develop fever/chills with sore throat, cough, rash, diarrhea, swollen tonsils or lymph nodes, or other signs of infection.**