PrEP Treatment
We offer comprehensive HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatment to help protect individuals at risk of HIV infection. PrEP is a once-a-day oral medication that can significantly reduce the risk of contracting HIV from sexual contact or injectable drug use when used correctly.
Understanding PrEP Medications
There are two FDA-approved medications for PrEP: Truvada® and Descovy®.
Truvada® contains tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine, while Descovy® contains emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide. Both medications are highly effective in preventing HIV transmission. Your healthcare provider will help determine which drug is best suited for your specific needs.
Is PrEP Treatment Right for You?
PrEP is recommended for individuals at risk of HIV due to sexual activity or injection drug use. This includes:
- Men who have sex with men
- Transgender individuals
- Heterosexual individuals with an HIV-positive partner or an injection partner with HIV
Federal guidelines also suggest considering PrEP for those who are HIV-negative, have engaged in anal or vaginal intercourse in the past 6 months, and meet any of the following criteria:
- Have a sexual partner who is HIV-positive
- Have not consistently used condoms
- Have been diagnosed with an STD in the past 6 months
PrEP is also advisable for people who inject drugs, share needles, syringes, or other equipment, and for individuals who have used non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and continue to engage in high-risk behaviors.
For individuals with an HIV-positive partner who are planning to conceive, PrEP may be an option to safeguard against HIV transmission during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Who Should Not Take PrEP?
PrEP may not be suitable for everyone due to daily medication requirements and potential side effects like nausea. Descovy® for PrEP has not been studied for HIV prevention through receptive vaginal intercourse.
If you experience severe side effects while taking PrEP, consult a healthcare provider immediately.
Getting Started with PrEP at Midwest Express Clinic
To determine if PrEP is right for you, visit a Midwest Express Clinic location near you. Most private and state Medicaid plans cover the cost of PrEP treatment, but we recommend contacting your insurance company to confirm your coverage details.
For additional information about PrEP, you can also visit the CDC website. Our experienced healthcare providers are here to support your PrEP journey and help protect you from HIV infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PrEP, and how does it work?
PrEP stands for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, and it involves taking a once-a-day oral medication to reduce the risk of contracting HIV. When used correctly, PrEP can be highly effective in preventing HIV infection. It works by inhibiting the virus’s ability to establish infection in the body.
Are there different types of PrEP medications?
Yes, there are two FDA-approved PrEP medications available: Truvada® and Descovy®.
Truvada® contains tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine, while Descovy® contains emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide. Your healthcare provider will help determine which one is suitable for you based on your specific needs.
Who should consider PrEP treatment?
PrEP is recommended for individuals at risk of HIV due to sexual activity or injectable drug use. This includes men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, and heterosexual individuals with an HIV-positive partner or an injection partner with HIV.
Federal guidelines also suggest considering PrEP for those who have had anal or vaginal intercourse in the past 6 months and meet specific criteria, such as having an HIV-positive partner or inconsistent condom use.
What if I have an HIV-positive partner and plan to conceive?
If you have a partner with HIV and are planning to have a child, PrEP may be an option to protect yourself and your baby from HIV transmission during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Consult your healthcare provider to discuss the best approach for your situation.
Who should not take PrEP?
PrEP may not be suitable for everyone, as it involves daily medication and may cause side effects like nausea. Additionally, Descovy® for PrEP has not been studied for HIV prevention through receptive vaginal intercourse. If you experience severe side effects while taking PrEP, seek immediate medical attention.
How can I get started with PrEP at Midwest Express Clinic?
To determine if PrEP is right for you, visit a Midwest Express Clinic location near you. Most private and state Medicaid plans cover the cost of PrEP treatment. We recommend contacting your insurance company to confirm your coverage details.
Where can I find more information about PrEP?
For additional information about PrEP, you can visit the CDC website. Our experienced healthcare providers are available to support your PrEP journey and help protect you from HIV infection.
Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have.
PrEP treatment is available at these locations:
Illinois
Aurora
Blue Island
Bolingbrook
Bourbonnais
Burbank
Calumet Park
Carol Stream
Chicago Ridge (coming soon)
Cicero
Elmhurst on Butterfield
Elmhurst on York Street (coming soon)
Lombard
Matteson
Melrose Park
Norridge
Northbrook
Richton Park
River Forest
Skokie
Tinley Park on Harlem
Tinley Park on LaGrange
Westmont (coming soon)
Wheaton (coming soon)
Willowbrook
Indiana
Cedar Lake
Crown Point on Burr & 30
Crown Point on 109th & Broadway
Dyer
Griffith
Griffith next to Walgreens
Hammond on 5th Avenue
Hammond on Sibley
Hobart
Merrillville
Merrillville next to Walgreens (coming soon)
Michigan City
Munster
Portage
Portage next to Walgreens (coming soon)
Schererville
