Frequently Asked Questions
PrEP-Specific Questions
PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis) is a once-daily pill for people who are HIV-negative. PrEP helps to prevent individuals from contracting the virus that causes HIV. Studies have shown that PrEP is 99% effective at preventing HIV when taken daily as prescribed.
When taken as directed, PrEP is 99% effective in preventing HIV-negative people from contracting the HIV virus.
PrEP takes about 7 days before it is fully effective in rectal tissue and takes up to 20 days for vaginal tissue. However, the CDC recommends taking PrEP every day for 21 days prior to any possible exposure to HIV. The drug must be potent enough in the bloodstream to block HIV infection.
PrEP does not prevent any other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Doxy-PEP, which can also be prescribed by your PrEPonDemand doctor, is most effective when taken as prescribed in preventing STIs and can be prescribed in conjunction with your PrEP medication. It is important to be tested regularly for sexually transmitted diseases and infections.
PrEP is a once daily pill that works by blocking an enzyme called HIV reverse transcriptase. By blocking this enzyme, HIV is prevented from replicating itself inside the body. There are also injectable medications that can be prescribed to prevent HIV.
PrEP is most effective when taken as prescribed, once a day. If you take PrEP daily, the level of protection is about 99%. When not taken every day the potency of the drug in the bloodstream is greatly reduced, and the drug’s effectiveness drops dramatically. If you miss a dose, make sure to take the next one, it does not help to double up.
Yes, but it is important that you list any prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs you regularly take when completing the enrollment form or discuss with the medical provider.
There are no known interactions with alcohol and/or recreational drugs and FDA-approved medications for PrEP. However, it is important to share with your doctor if you regularly drink alcohol or participate in recreational drug use.
PrEPonDemand-Specific Questions
PrEPonDemand is for HIV-negative adults who are sexually active and looking to protect themselves from HIV with PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis). PrEPonDemand also offers Doxy-PEP to prevent STIs. It is also for those who are HIV-positive looking for a convenient and confidential medical provider that offers visits via telehealth or in person.
Enrolling in PrEPonDemand services is fast and simple. The initial enrollment form takes 5-10 minutes to complete, and you can receive your first bottle of medication in 3 to 5 business days, depending on how quickly you complete your required labs and where you are getting your medication filled.
Yes, a prescription is required for PrEP medication.
Once you complete the enrollment form, a member of the PrEPonDemand team will follow up within 24 hours (Monday-Friday). Your prescription will be sent to our partner specialty pharmacy and shipped within 24 business hours. Medications typically arrive within 1-2 business days.
After completing your enrollment form, a member of the PrEPonDemand clinic team will contact you the same day (Monday-Friday) to schedule a telehealth visit with the physician. Visits happen within 24 hours.
No, an in-person visit is not required. Most visits are completed via telehealth (phone or video calls).
No, it’s important to keep your primary care physician and any other physicians involved in your care.
You can request to share your medical information with your primary care physician at any time. POD will not share any health information without prior consent.
PrEPonDemand works with commercial labs such as LabCorp and Quest, which have patient service sites nationwide. You can choose from locations across the U.S., and PrEPonDemand will place the necessary lab orders for you.
Your PrEP medication will be shipped from our partner specialty pharmacy and delivered via UPS. The packaging is discreet and has no logos. You can also choose to have your medications delivered to one of our clinic sites for pickup or pick them up from one of the various specialty pharmacy locations.
If you test positive for a sexually transmitted infection (STI), someone from the PrEPonDemand clinic team will reach out to you directly with treatment options.
PrEPonDemand works with a national specialty pharmacy. They handle all required paperwork to ensure you have little or no out-of-pocket costs. They can ship your prescription for free and offer personalized, fast customer service by phone five days a week should any issues arise.
Additional FAQs
Why should I take PrEP?
Anyone that is sexually active and HIV negative should consider PrEP. It is a once daily pill that is 99% effective at preventing HIV.
Is PrEP safe for women?
Yes. PrEP is prescribed using the same guidelines and medical standards as any other physician, just via telehealth or virtual visits. The medical provider will only prescribe medication if it is safe to do so based on the information provided by you on the enrollment form and lab results.
Can I take PrEP if I am on other medications?
Yes, but it is important that you list any prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs you regularly take when completing the enrollment form or discuss them with your medical provider.
Anyone that is sexually active and HIV negative should consider PrEP. It is a once daily pill that is 99% effective at preventing HIV.
Is PrEP safe for women?
Yes. PrEP is prescribed using the same guidelines and medical standards as any other physician, just via telehealth or virtual visits. The medical provider will only prescribe medication if it is safe to do so based on the information provided by you on the enrollment form and lab results.
Can I take PrEP if I am on other medications?
Yes, but it is important that you list any prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs you regularly take when completing the enrollment form or discuss them with your medical provider.
What is PEP?
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a month-long (28-day) course of anti-HIV medications that must be started within 72 hours of possible exposure to HIV to prevent permanent infection.
How does PEP work?
PEP consists of antiretroviral medications. If exposed to HIV, it takes a few days for an HIV infection to take hold in the body. It is important to start PEP within 72 hours of possible exposure. After starting PEP, the medication stops the virus from replicating. As you continue taking PEP for the full 28 days, infected cells die, and the virus will not spread to the rest of the body.
What is the difference between PrEP and PEP?
PrEP is a preventative medication that you take each day to prevent HIV. PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. PEP is taken after potential exposure to HIV and consists of a month-long (28-day) course of anti-HIV medications that must be started within 72 hours. PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a month-long (28-day) course of anti-HIV medications that must be started within 72 hours of possible exposure to HIV to prevent permanent infection.
How does PEP work?
PEP consists of antiretroviral medications. If exposed to HIV, it takes a few days for an HIV infection to take hold in the body. It is important to start PEP within 72 hours of possible exposure. After starting PEP, the medication stops the virus from replicating. As you continue taking PEP for the full 28 days, infected cells die, and the virus will not spread to the rest of the body.
What is the difference between PrEP and PEP?
PrEP is a preventative medication that you take each day to prevent HIV. PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. PEP is taken after potential exposure to HIV and consists of a month-long (28-day) course of anti-HIV medications that must be started within 72 hours. PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis.
What is doxy-PEP?
Doxy-PEP is an antibiotic called doxycycline that is prescribed and taken after a sexual encounter to help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The medication works most effectively when taken within 72 hours after sex to prevent infections like chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea.
Who should use doxy-PEP?
Talk to your PrEPonDemand doctor to see if doxy-PEP is right for you.
How do I use doxy-PEP?
Doxycycline (100mg) is prescribed as two pills taken in one dose, preferably within 24 hours of exposure, but always within 72 hours. It should be taken after condomless oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
Doxy-PEP is an antibiotic called doxycycline that is prescribed and taken after a sexual encounter to help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The medication works most effectively when taken within 72 hours after sex to prevent infections like chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea.
Who should use doxy-PEP?
Talk to your PrEPonDemand doctor to see if doxy-PEP is right for you.
How do I use doxy-PEP?
Doxycycline (100mg) is prescribed as two pills taken in one dose, preferably within 24 hours of exposure, but always within 72 hours. It should be taken after condomless oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
Do you take insurance?
PrEPonDemand accepts most insurance plans. If you are uninsured or under-insured, we will work on your behalf to enroll you in one of the various patient assistance programs to ensure you have little to no out-of-pocket expenses for your medication.
What if I don’t have insurance?
No problem. We only utilize insurance to cover the cost of your PrEP medication and lab services. If you are uninsured or underinsured, we will work on your behalf to enroll you in a patient assistance program to ensure you have little to no out-of-pocket expenses. PrEPonDemand also has a tiered payment system for patients who choose to pay cash or are uninsured.
Do you take Medicaid and Medicare?
Yes, we accept all Medicaid plans and Medicare. If for any reason your PrEP medication is not 100% covered, we will enroll you in a patient assistance program, which in many cases ensures little to no out-of-pocket expenses.
How much do doctor visits and required labs cost?
If you are insured or have Medicaid, there should be no out-of-pocket cost for your PrEP visits. If you are uninsured, PrEPonDemand will work with you to get enrolled in an insurance plan offered by the Affordable Care Act or a Marketplace plan. If you are uninsured and not eligible for a Marketplace Plan, PrEPonDemand has a treatment tiered system for doctor visits and lab services.
How much does PrEP medication cost?
PrEP is covered by most insurance companies, Medicaid, and Medicare. If you don’t have insurance or have been denied coverage, you may be eligible for a patient assistance program to cover the cost. This process is managed by our specialty pharmacy or clinic team.
PrEPonDemand accepts most insurance plans. If you are uninsured or under-insured, we will work on your behalf to enroll you in one of the various patient assistance programs to ensure you have little to no out-of-pocket expenses for your medication.
What if I don’t have insurance?
No problem. We only utilize insurance to cover the cost of your PrEP medication and lab services. If you are uninsured or underinsured, we will work on your behalf to enroll you in a patient assistance program to ensure you have little to no out-of-pocket expenses. PrEPonDemand also has a tiered payment system for patients who choose to pay cash or are uninsured.
Do you take Medicaid and Medicare?
Yes, we accept all Medicaid plans and Medicare. If for any reason your PrEP medication is not 100% covered, we will enroll you in a patient assistance program, which in many cases ensures little to no out-of-pocket expenses.
How much do doctor visits and required labs cost?
If you are insured or have Medicaid, there should be no out-of-pocket cost for your PrEP visits. If you are uninsured, PrEPonDemand will work with you to get enrolled in an insurance plan offered by the Affordable Care Act or a Marketplace plan. If you are uninsured and not eligible for a Marketplace Plan, PrEPonDemand has a treatment tiered system for doctor visits and lab services.
How much does PrEP medication cost?
PrEP is covered by most insurance companies, Medicaid, and Medicare. If you don’t have insurance or have been denied coverage, you may be eligible for a patient assistance program to cover the cost. This process is managed by our specialty pharmacy or clinic team.