Corktown Health

PrEP & PEP Navigation

HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis & Post Exposure Prophylaxis treatment is designed to reduce or control the risk of infectious diseases.

What is PEP?

PEP, short for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis,  is taken before someone is potentially exposed to HIV, PEP is taken as soon as possible after a potential exposure. PEP typically consists of three HIV medications (often in the form of two pills) which are taken for a period of 28 days. PEP must be started within 72 hours of exposure in order to be effective, and the sooner after the exposure you start PEP the more effective it is.

While PrEP is great for people who know they are at risk for HIV, sometimes unplanned situations happen, such as a condom breaks, unplanned sexual encounters, accidental needle sticks, injection drug use, or sexual assault. For these kinds of situations, PEP is a great defense against HIV. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV and would like to start PEP, contact our clinic directly or go to an emergency department as soon as possible.

What is PrEP?

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. The word “prophylaxis” means to prevent or control the spread of an infection or disease.

Two HIV medicines are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as PrEP: Truvada and Descovy. Generic Truvada is also available. Which medicine to use for PrEP depends on a person’s individual situation. PrEP is most effective when taken consistently each day.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to use PEP more than once per year, you may want to consider whether PrEP would be a good option for you. It is very easy to transition from PEP to PrEP once the 28-day PEP regimen ends.

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Services

PrEP Navigation Services promote rapid access to medical care and resources as well as assistance in reestablishing medical care. Our HIV Prevention Specialist provides education about HIV disease, establishing effective patient/doctor relationships, medication adherence and risk reduction tips. PrEP Navigation Services are offered to a patient as long as there is a need for continued services. There is a rolling enrollment with intake paperwork reviewed every 6 months for consistency.

Expand Awareness

Sexual health education, rapid access to medical care and resources for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (Truvada and generic Truvada as well as Descovy).

Invaluable Supports

HIV testing and counseling, at-home HIV testing, hygiene kits, mail out condom kits, and transportation to appointments.

Studies have shown that consistent use of PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and from injection drug use by at least 74%. Adding other prevention methods, such as condom use, along with PrEP can reduce a person’s risk of getting HIV even further.

~ Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention

Eligibility

PrEP is also recommended for people, who inject drugs, and:

PrEP should also be considered for people who have been prescribed non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and:

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Resources

HIV STD Hotline

HIVinfo.NIH.gov

HIV Information

The Collection of HIV Links and Resources: hivinfo.nih.gov – pdf

MDHHS nPEP Guidance

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

HIV Basics: www.cdc.gov/hiv

PleasePrEPme.org

TheBody.com

MDHHS HIV and STIs in Michigan

NIH PEP & CDC PEP

Frequently Asked Questions

Both of the medications used for PrEP are generally safe when used as directed. It is important to remember that all medications carry a risk of side effects. Truvada and Descovy both have very low incidence of side effects, but they each have slightly different risks. Everyone’s medical history is different, and either medication may be the optimal choice for you. Your doctor can help you decide which medication is best for you. Make an appointment with one of our providers if you are interested in starting PrEP.
The costs of PrEP include doctor’s visits, lab work, and the medication itself. For patients with Medicaid, these costs are entirely covered by Medicaid. For those with other forms of insurance, assistance is available for medication copays through the Advancing Access program. Those who do not have insurance may be able to obtain PrEP through the Ready, Set, PrEP! Program. Our prevention specialist can assist you with applying for these programs to help you access PrEP and on-site insurance navigators can assist those without insurance to obtain coverage.
PrEP is based around a model called “Seasons of Need.” The idea is that everyone has different levels of risk, and that those levels change based on our activities. At times, a person may exhibit either high-risk or low-risk activity. Thus, it is not necessary to stay on PrEP forever. If you know you are not going to be at risk for a significant period of time, you can discontinue PrEP after speaking with your doctor. It is important that you also discuss with your doctor if and when you feel it is time to resume taking PrEP because they will often want to have new lab work performed before you restart. It is also important to remember that it takes up to 28 days for the medication to build up in your body to protect you from HIV. It is always a good idea to take extra precautions during this period.
Please complete the attached form to request a test kit.

Please complete the attached form to request a safer-sex kit.

For questions or more information

Contact Kelly Cousins, Preventive Health Services Manager.