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Protect Yourself Against HIV
Be PrEPared. Start PrEP today.
At Eddie’s Pharmacy, we make PrEP in Los Angeles easier to access and understand. HIV
prevention should be simple, stigma-free, and guided by trusted professionals. If you are interested in PrEP in Los Angeles, talk with our team at Eddie’s Pharmacy to learn about your options and next steps.
What is PrEP?
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is taken on an ongoing basis to help reduce your risk of getting HIV when taken as prescribed.
What We Do
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Provide confidential consultations about PrEP and PEP
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Coordinate prescriptions and refills with prescribers
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Help with insurance and patient assistance programs
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Offer ongoing support to help you stay on track
How does PrEP work?
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PrEP works by preventing the HIV virus from replicating in your body.
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PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by 99% and by at least 74% from injection drug use, when taken as prescribed.
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For receptive anal sex (bottoming), you reach maximum HIV protection after taking Truvada or Descovy every day for 7 days.
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For receptive vaginal sex and injection drug use, you reach maximum HIV protection after taking Truvada or Descovy every day for 21 days.
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PrEP does not protect against other STIs or pregnancy, therefore condoms are still recommended every time you have sex.​
Insurance & Payment Options
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Most health insurance plans and Medi-cal programs cover PrEP, the required clinic visits and lab tests.
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If you do not have or are not eligible for health insurance, there are other programs that can cover PrEP for free or low cost:
- PrEP Assistance Program (PrEP-AP)
- Ready-Set-PrEP Federal Program
- Patient assistance programs through Viiv Healthcare and Gilead.
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Your immigration status does not prevent you from accessing these assistance programs and all information is confidential and not disclosed to immigration departments.
FAQ
What is PrEP?
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PrEP, or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, is a medication to reduce your risk of contracting HIV from sex or injecting drug use.
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PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV. PrEP reduces the risk of HIV from sex by 99% and over 74% from injecting drug use.
Who can take PrEP?
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Anyone who is HIV negative and is sexually active.
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Anyone who is HIV negative and sharing injecting drug equipment.
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You should take PrEP if you:
- Have a sexual partner with HIV who is not virally suppressed or unknown status.
- Have had recent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the last 6 months.
- Have multiple sexual partners.
- Are engaging in sex without condoms.
How should I take PrEP?
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There are 3 different types of PrEP and ways to take it:
- Oral Truvada or Descovy: A daily pill or “On-Demand” PrEP.
- Injectable Apretude: An injection every two months.
What is “On-Demand PrEP”?
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A non-daily PrEP dosing strategy, which is taken when you know you’re going to have sex (taken before and after sex at specific times).
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“PrEP On-Demand” is currently only recommended for cisgender men who have sex with men.
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“PrEP On-Demand” is currently NOT recommended for heterosexual men and women, people who inject drugs, and transgender persons.
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Is PrEP covered by insurance?
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Most health insurance plans and Medi-cal programs cover PrEP, the required clinic visits and lab tests.
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If you do not have or are not eligible for health insurance, there are other programs that can cover PrEP for free or low cost:
- PrEP Assistance Program (PrEP-AP)
- Ready-Set-PrEP Federal Program
- Patient assistance programs through Viiv Healthcare and Gilead.
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Your immigration status does not prevent you from accessing these assistance programs and all information is confidential and not disclosed to immigration departments.
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Do I need testing before starting PrEP and while taking PrEP?​
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Before starting PrEP, you need to take an HIV test to make sure you do not have HIV.
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While taking PrEP, you will have to see your PrEP provider routinely for:
- Follow-up visits (every 3 months for oral PrEP or every 2 months for injectable PrEP)
- HIV / STI lab tests
- Creatinine (kidneys) lab testing
- Prescription refills or injections.
How can I get PrEP?
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PrEP can be prescribed by any licensed medical doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
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You can get PrEP at a pharmacy that provides it.
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Under California’s new law, Senate Bill 159, pharmacists can supply PrEP without seeing a medical provider after HIV testing and counseling. Pharmacists may supply up to 2 months of PrEP every 2 years.
Where can I get PrEP in Los Angeles?
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Eddie’s Pharmacy offers PrEP to help you start PrEP as soon as possible. PrEP navigation services are provided to support you, answer any questions and connect you with a local prevention provider for ongoing care.
Start PrEP today by clicking here and scheduling an appointment.