Step 1: Learn More about PrEP
PrEP is medicine used for HIV prevention
PrEP stands for “pre-exposure prophylaxis.” PrEP is a medicine which reduces your chances of getting HIV from sexual contact or injection drug use. PrEP is safe and effective; the risk of contracting HIV is reduced by 99% when taken as prescribed.
PrEP is available to individuals as either a pill or a shot (injection).
- Two pills are approved for use as PrEP - Truvada® and Descovy®.
- One injection has been approved for use as PrEP - Apretude.
Note: PrEP is only available under the names Truvada®, Descovy®, and Apretude as of March 2023.
Adapted from cdc.gov. Visit for more information.
PrEP is used by people without HIV who are at risk of being exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use.
You may be interested in taking PrEP if you:
- Have a partner with HIV or at-risk of contracting HIV
- Engage in sexual activity without a condom
- Have had an STI diagnosis in the last 6 months
- Participate in intravenous drug use
Adapted from hivinfo.nih.gov. Visit for more information.
Step 2: Make an Appointment
Students can make an appointment at University Health and Counseling Services through myhealthconnect.case.edu to start the PrEP process.
Other local PrEP providers and other HIV services can be found here.
Step 3: Get Screened
Talk with a provider, get tested and get a prescription.
You and the provider will discuss your health history and any questions you might have. The provider will also order STI testing, including an HIV test to ensure you are HIV negative before starting PrEP.
If you decide to start PrEP, and you are HIV-negative, your provider will write you a prescription for the medication.
Other healthcare facilities that provide HIV testing can be found here.
You can also find local PrEP providers and other HIV services here.
Visits to UH&CS are provided at no-cost to students. If you choose to go to another clinic, there may be a fee or co-pay.
Lab tests will be billed to your insurance by the lab. Please visit the paying for PrEP page for information bout confidentiality when using your parent's insurance.
Step 4: Start PrEP
Pick-up the medication and get started on preventing HIV.
PrEP can be obtained from your brick-and-mortar or online pharmacy. You can find a list of participating pharmacies here.
Resources on how to pay for PrEP, including information on confidentiality if you are a dependent on your parents insurance can be found on the Paying for PrEP webpage.
You will need regular follow-up appointments with your prescriber (usually every 3 months) for repeat HIV testing. Remember to continue using condoms to prevent against other sexually transmitted infections.
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