PrEP is for Youth

FAQ

FAQ

Have questions about PrEP? Scroll below!

Is PrEP safe for youth younger than 18 years old?

Yes, studies focused on teenagers younger than 18 years old have shown that PrEP has few side effects and is safe and effective. Studies of adults have also shown that PrEP is safe and effective in preventing HIV infection in HIV-negative people.

I’m under 18 years old, can I get PrEP?

Yes, we offer PrEP services to patients who are 15-25 years old.

What happens when I turn 26?

We will help you transition into an adult clinic that is knowledgeable about the specific needs of PrEP patients. For example, the Hopkins Moore Clinic is skilled in this area!

What if I have trouble taking PrEP every day?

We have friendly and dedicated peer navigators who can help you plan to take PrEP every day! Click on “I Want PrEP!” on our homepage to be directed to our Contact Form.

Why are condoms still important when I’m taking PrEP?

PrEP only protects you from getting HIV, so you can still get other STIs while taking PrEP. See our Sex and Sexual Health Blog on sexually transmitted infections for more information!

Are there side effects?

There are some side effects that don’t last long. PrEP has been FDA-approved and is recommended by the CDC for people at high risk for HIV. Some people experience nausea for a short period of time after starting PrEP. Slight loss of bone density has been seen in patients, but bone density returns to normal levels after ending PrEP. The health of people on PrEP is monitored regularly by their physicians. No serious side effects have been observed.

Is PrEP safe?

Yes, and it’s more than 99% effective if taken daily as recommended.

Are there programs that will help me pay for PrEP?

Gilead Advancing Access Program (Gilead Advancing Access Program) helps patients with no insurance, and the Truvada co-pay card helps patients with health insurance cover co-pays up to $3,600 a year. Many other programs exist: Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF), Partnership for Prescription Assistance, NeedyMeds, and RxAssist.

Will my insurance cover PrEP?

PrEP can be covered through managed care organizations or commercial health insurance. If you have a health insurance plan through Priority Partners or another managed care organization (MCO), your prescription costs should be covered. If you have a commercial health insurance plan, costs associated with PrEP will vary. Patients may have to pay out of pocket for the PrEP prescription, appointments, lab work, etc.

I am ready to start PrEP, what should I do now?

  1. Find a local provider who provides PrEP: to be connected to a Harriet Lane Clinic PrEP provider, click on "I Want PrEP!" on our homepage. Here are some other resources as well.

  2. Talk to your provider openly about your risk for HIV. 

  3. Figure out if your insurance covers it. Most insurances cover PrEP. There are pharmacy programs that can help you if your insurance does not cover it.

  4. If you live in Maryland, you may qualify to connect with a navigator to help you with any concerns regarding sexual health. Fill out this survey!

For more PrEP FAQ, check out https://men.prepfacts.org/the-questions/