When taken daily as directed, PrEP is 99% effective in protecting HIV-negative people from HIV. PrEP is even more effective when it is combined with other prevention methods, such as condoms.

Some people will keep using condoms while on PrEP and others will decide to stop using them. If you are already using condoms consistently, and doing so makes you feel comfortable and protected, then keep doing what feels right to you. Many people struggle with using condoms consistently, which is one reason why PrEP was developed. You have to decide for yourself what level of protection feels right and gives you the peace of mind to lead a sexually fulfilling life.

PrEP does not prevent you from contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis. Consistent and correct use of condoms can reduce your risk of contracting or transmitting STIs. It is important for you to be regularly tested for these infections and to be treated promptly if you find out that you are infected.

The use of daily PrEP is highly effective if taken every day, less effective if pills are not taken daily. Before starting PrEP, it’s important for you to determine if you are comfortable and confident in your ability to take a daily pill to prevent HIV. PrEP only works if you take it!

NOTICE: When starting PrEP, it is estimated that 7 days of daily dosing is needed to achieve protective concentrations for receptive anal sex.

PrEP is not just about taking a pill every day. If you decide to take PrEP, you’ll need to see your provider at least every three months for routine care and HIV/STD testing.

The Center has developed a quick online tool to help you determine how strong a candidate you are for PrEP. Click here to check your PrEP Score.

We make it easy and affordable for most people to leave our offices with a prescription after your first visit. If you don’t have insurance, we may be able to help you qualify for a patient assistance program. If you have insurance, we can bill most plans (other than HMO insurers like Kaiser Permanente) for your prescription and our services.

We encourage you to book a free consultation with one of our PrEP counselors by calling 323.993.8990. You can also drop by, but wait times will vary.

Your primary care provider can also prescribe PrEP for you. Before discussing it with your doctor, we suggest you make a list of the reasons you think PrEP would be a good choice for you. Be as honest as possible so your provider can help you make the best decision. If your sex life is a hard topic to talk about, say that to your provider. It will help to start the conversation.

Some providers may not know about PrEP or may not be knowledgeable or comfortable discussing PrEP or your sexual health. If you do not have a provider, or if your medical provider does not feel comfortable helping you make this decision and prescribing PrEP, you're welcome to get your medical care from the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

If you and your provider agree that PrEP is right for you, your provider will conduct a general physical and test you for HIV and other STDs. Your blood will also be tested to see if your kidneys and liver are working well.

NOTICE: Be sure to inform your provider about any current medications that you are taking (including vitamin supplements, work out supplements, herbs, etc.). Example: Creatine supplements can throw off the blood test that measures kidney function.

PrEP is generally safe and well tolerated.

Some people in clinical studies of PrEP had early side effects such as nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, mild headache, or dizziness, but these were mild and usually went away in the first month. PrEP may also cause decreases in kidney function and bone density, however, research suggests that side effects while using PrEP are generally mild and uncommon. No serious side effects were observed. You should tell your health care provider if these or other symptoms become severe or do not go away.

We help make PrEP affordable. It’s covered by most private insurance programs and Medi-Cal and we can often help those who are uninsured qualify for a patient assistance program.

If you have private healthcare insurance, you can expect to pay your normal co-pay associated with brand-name drugs. The co-pay will vary from plan to plan. Some insurance companies will, however, require certain pre-authorization requirements to determine if you are eligible to have PrEP covered.

In some cases, even with insurance, the co-pay may make PrEP unaffordable. Through the Gilead Co-Pay Assistance Program we can help those who are eligible have the cost of their co-pay covered.

The Los Angeles LGBT Center has a team of Linkage to Care Navigators who work one-on-one with patients to answer questions about PrEP, offer guidance with navigating health insurance plans, assist with benefit enrollments (including medication assistance programs), and scheduling appointments.

You can call 323.993.8990 to book an appointment for a free PrEP consultation. We can provide general transportation assistance, if needed, to either the Center’s McDonald/Wright Building in Hollywood or the Center-WeHo for your first PrEP consultation.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Several bus lines serve both the Center-WeHo and the McDonald/Wright building, which is on the Metro Red Line midway between the Hollywood/Vine stop and the Hollywood/Highland stop.

Visit Metro.net to plan your trip.

PARKING

Center-WeHo: One-hour free parking before 6 p.m. is available across the street next to Tender Greens. Free validated parking is also available at the West Hollywood city parking garage at 625 N. San Vicente Blvd, next to the new library.

McDonald/Wright Building: Free parking (4 hours) is available behind the building.

We can provide general transportation assistance, if needed, to either the Center’s McDonald/Wright Building in Hollywood or the Center-WeHo for your first PrEP consultation. Indicate you need that when scheduling your consultation online.