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PrEP is for ALL
INJECTABLE PrEP
STAR Health Center offers injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as an alternative to daily oral pills.
CALL +1 (347) 909-1680
to get you started!
What is injectable PrEP, and who can take it?
Injectable PrEP is a shot that you can receive every other month to prevent HIV. This shot is as safe and effective as taking oral PrEP (pill form). It can be used by adults and adolescents that weigh at least 77 pounds. Injectable PrEP is a good option for people who:
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Have trouble taking a pill every day
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Prefer getting a shot every two months instead of taking a pill.
What is the Start-Up Period?
While injectable PrEP is provided every other month, the first two months are known as the start-up period. You will receive one shot in the first month and another shot in the following month. Afterward, you can expect to receive one shot every other month.
How is injectable PrEP administered?
A health care provider gives two initial injections (shots) one month apart, then one injection every two months after that. The medicine is injected into the muscle of the buttock.
Steps to Start Injectable PrEP at
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Talk to your doctor about your interest in injectable PrEP.
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If it’s right for you, then a patient navigator will assist with insurance coverage or find programs to help cover the cost of medication.
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Once approved, you will schedule HIV tests (including a test to check for recent infection).
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After your provider confirms you are not living with HIV, you will schedule your first appointment for an injectable PrEP shot within 7 days calendar days of your HIV tests. Note: If you do not receive your shot within 7 calendar days of your HIV tests, then testing will need to be repeated to confirm your HIV results have remained negative.
5. Optional: If you or your provider are concerned with how your body might respond to the medication (cabotegravir), the provider may first prescribe 30 days of oral pills before deciding on whether the injection is right for you.
6. Following the first shot, schedule a follow-up appointment one month later for the second injectable PrEP shot.
7. Once the second shot is completed, you’ll schedule your HIV tests and injections every other month.
8. Finally, schedule a doctor’s visit every four months for medical assessments and additional testing.
Example
Injectable PrEP Schedules
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CALL
+1 (347) 909-1680
to get you started!
Frequently Asked Questions
1
What do I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss an injection by more than seven days, you should talk to your health care provider. They may advise that you take the medicine as a pill until your next injection.
2
Does PrEP protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
PrEP does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia. Using a condom with PrEP will protect you from most STIs. When you are taking PrEP, you should get tested periodically for STIs. Early diagnosis and treatment of STIs protects your health and prevents passing STIs to your partners. Using PrEP and condoms together gives you protection from both HIV and most STIs.
3
How do I stop taking injectable PrEP safely?
Talk with your health care provider about how to stop taking injectable PrEP if you feel you no longer need it.
