PrEP

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a treatment regimen that dramatically lowers your risk of getting HIV. The experienced team at WellCare offers PrEP medication through convenient virtual visits. They’re based in Overland Park, Kansas, and provide PrEP to adults living anywhere in the state. To learn if you’re a good candidate, call the office or connect online to request an online videoconference or telephone visit.

What is PrEP?

PrEP is medication that lowers your risk of getting HIV, whether from sexual contact or using contaminated needles to inject drugs. 

The medication comes in pills and a long-acting injection. You must take a pill every day to prevent HIV, while shots are needed once every two months. You may also need to get regular HIV tests while you’re taking the medication.

How do I qualify for PrEP?

Nearly everyone at risk for HIV can take PrEP, but there’s one crucial exception: You can’t take the medications if you’re already infected with HIV.

You may want to consider PrEP if you’ve had anal or vaginal sex in the last six months with a partner who has HIV or done so without consistently using a condom. Taking PrEP is also recommended if you share needles to take drugs.

You may also want to consult your WellCare provider if you’ve been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI). STIs increase your risk for HIV by making it easier for HIV to enter your body.

What form of PrEP might I receive?

Though more PrEP medications may hit the market in the future, two oral tablets and one injectable medicine are currently approved for preventing HIV:

Truvada® (pill)
Your WellCare provider may recommend Truvada for people at risk for HIV through sex and/or using needles to inject drugs.

Descovy® (pill)
Descovy protects people who may get HIV through sexual contact. However, it’s not approved for people assigned female at birth who may get HIV through vaginal sex.

Apretude® (injectable)
Apretude is an injectable for people at risk for HIV through sex. Since WellCare provides your health care through telehealth, they can refer you to a physician or clinic if you’re interested in an injectable.

How effective is PrEP?

PrEP can lower your risk of getting HIV from sex by 99%. The treatment isn’t quite as effective if you’re at risk for HIV through sharing needles, but it still reduces your risk by 74%. In both cases, you get maximum protection only when you use the medication as prescribed.

Call WellCare or use online booking to request a telehealth appointment and learn if you’re a good candidate for PrEP.