PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

PrEP is used by people who are HIV negative to help prevent them from getting HIV. It involves taking a prescription pill that contains two medications, emtricitabine and tenofovir. It is very important to take the pill as prescribed for it to work.

Taking PrEP also involves seeing a family doctor or nurse practitioner every three months for HIV testing, screening for related sexually transmitted infections (STIs), monitoring for possible side effects, and ongoing support.

PrEP is for people who are at ongoing risk for HIV. PrEP may be a good option for anyone who is HIV negative and:

  • sometimes has vaginal or anal sex without using a condom and doesn’t know the current HIV status of one or more of their sex partners
  • has a sex partner who is HIV positive and is not maintaining an undetectable viral load while on treatment
  • sometimes uses injection drugs and shares needles

People who are interested in taking PrEP should talk to a medical professional to see if PrEP is right for them. We can help refer you to a prescriber! Please email swright@acnl.net or call 709-579-8656 / toll-free 1 (800) 563-1575.

*There may be a cost to PrEP for some people. This cost varies based on factors such as net income or access to private insurance (e.g. insurance benefits through your work). Your insurance company may offer a co-payment option, but not all insurance companies do. It is important to check with your insurance company to see if this is an available option before pursuing PrEP. Alternatively, you may qualify for drug coverage through the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Plan (NLPDP).

Important Forms:
NLPDP Application for Access Plan or Assurance Plan: https://www.gov.nl.ca/hcs/files/forms-pdf-nlpdp-application.pdf
PrEP Special Authorization Request Form: https://www.gov.nl.ca/hcs/files/forms-pdf-pre-exposure-prophylaxis.pdf

Learn more about PrEP here: