PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is medicine taken by people who do not have HIV to greatly reduce their chance of getting it from sex or injection drug use. According to the CDC, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed. It comes as a daily pill (brands include Truvada and Descovy) or as a long-acting injection. The FDA first approved oral PrEP in 2012, and it has become a central tool in ending the HIV epidemic. PrEP has been especially significant for gay and bisexual men, transgender people, and others at higher risk. Expanding access and reducing cost and stigma remain ongoing goals.