PrEP Questions? Our Kissimmee HIV Prevention Providers Have The Answers

Getting the answers you need about Kissimmee HIV prevention is simple with our team of healthcare providers. Here are the top questions we get about PrEP.

Medical breakthroughs give us the opportunity to protect ourselves from sexually-transmitted infections like HIV. If you’re looking to protect yourself from HIV, we can help. Our Kissimmee HIV prevention clinic makes PrEP and other healthcare services accessible to everyone! 

What Is PrEP?

PrEP is an abbreviation for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It’s a medication you can take to prevent HIV from taking hold in your body if you are having sex with someone who is HIV positive. PrEP is a great way to “prep” your body to stay healthy. 

How Do I Know If I Need To Take PrEP?

It’s good to know if you are at higher risk of contracting HIV so you’ll know if PrEP is right for you. If you check any of these boxes, you should ask your healthcare provider about PrEP:

• You’re at high risk of exposure but not HIV positive
• You have had sexual contact with someone who has HIV
• You’re having sex with someone whose HIV status is unknown
• You have multiple sexual partners
• You use injectable drugs

While these factors do not necessarily mean you will contract HIV without PrEP, they do increase your chances, so it’s best to have that discussion with your doctor to see if PrEP is right for your Kissimmee HIV prevention strategy.

How Effective Is PreP?

When taken as prescribed, PrEP can reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%. It also reduces the risk of getting HIV from injection drug use by about 74%.

Do I Need A Prescription For PrEP?

If you’re looking for Kissimmee HIV prevention by using PrEP, you do need a prescription from a doctor. The good news is we have you covered at our Harmony Healthcare Orlando Kissimmee location. Our healthcare providers can prescribe PrEP for you if that’s what you need.

How Often Do I Take PrEP?

Always follow your doctor’s instructions, but typically PrEP medication is taken once a day. PrEP can be taken indefinitely if that is what you and your doctor decide is best for you.

How Much Does PrEP Cost?

This is a question we get all the time and we find that cost is a common reason people don’t ask about medicines that they may need. If you have private medical insurance, PrEP will be covered, including deductibles and copays. Talk with your insurance provider for details. 

Medicaid and Medicare are other options if you do not have private health insurance. These options typically come with a minimal copay for prescriptions. We are happy to help you figure out the best way to get the medicine you need. 

Keep in mind that at Harmony Healthcare Orlando, we offer services and treatment at no cost to you, regardless of your insurance status or ability to pay. We believe that healthcare should be available and accessible to everyone.

Are There Side Effects When Taking PrEP?

Like many medications, you can experience side effects when taking PrEP. Side effects are usually mild and generally go away over time. Here are the most common:

• Headache
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Rash
• Fatigue
• Stomach problems

If any side effects linger and become difficult to manage, contact your healthcare provider.

Are There Long-Term Risks To Taking PrEP?

Long-term side effects from PrEP are not common but you’ll need to talk to your doctor about any pre-existing conditions you have that could affect your health when taking any new medication. Taking PrEP for an extended period could affect your bone density, which is reversible. It can also affect your liver and kidney health. 

Let Harmony Healthcare Orlando Be Your PrEP Partner

We know that it can be difficult to talk to someone about your health. But we are here for you and want to answer all of your questions so that you are comfortable with your treatment decisions. Contact us today to discuss your Kissimmee HIV prevention options or if you have any other questions about your health.