PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)

Are you HIV-negative but at very high risk for HIV? The PrEP clinic at University of Iowa Health Care–Iowa River Landing offers monitoring and prevention services for patients at risk for HIV infection.

What is PrEP?

PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a daily medicine that can reduce your chance of getting HIV. It can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body.

Daily PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by more than 90%, and more than 70% among people who inject drugs. Your risk of getting HIV from sex can be even lower if you combine PrEP with condoms and other prevention methods.

Is PrEP Right for You?

PrEP may benefit you if you are HIV-negative and if any of the following apply to you.

You are a gay/bisexual man and:

• Have an HIV-positive partner
• Have multiple partners, or a partner whose HIV status is unknown and you also:
  • Have sex without a condom, or
  • Recently had a sexually transmitted disease (STD)

You are heterosexual and:

• Have an HIV-positive partner
• Have multiple partners, or a partner whose HIV status is unknown and you also:
  • Don't always use a condom for sex with people who inject drugs, or
  • Don't always use a condom for sex with bisexual men

You inject drugs and:

• Share needles or equipment to inject drugs
• Recently went to a drug treatment program
• Are at risk for getting HIV from sex

Visit Iowa River Landing Today

• To find out if PrEP is right for you
• Every 3 months, if you take PrEP, for repeat HIV tests, prescription refills, and follow-up
• If you have any symptoms while taking PrEP that become severe or don't go away

Our PrEP clinic is pharmacy-based for improved monitoring and follow-up care. By working directly with a pharmacist familiar with the medication and the required tests, patients can get the care they need quickly and efficiently.

How Can You Get Help to Pay for PrEP?

Most private and state Medicaid plans cover PrEP. If you are on Medicaid, check with your benefits counselor.

If you have health insurance, you may receive co-pay assistance from drug manufacturers or patient advocacy foundations.

If you are without medical insurance, consider enrolling in an insurance marketplace, manufacturer patient assistance program, or your state's Medicaid plan, if you are eligible for it.

For more information on HIV/AIDS, visit the Centers for Disease Control.