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HIV Prevention

PrEP & PEP

Know your Status

 

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PrEP

PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.

  • PrEP is a course of drugs taken by an HIV-negative person to prevent an HIV infection.
  • It can virtually eliminate the risk of infection if taken consistently and correctly.

PrEP is a powerful HIV prevention tool and can be combined with condoms and other prevention methods to provide even greater protection as opposed to being used by itself. However, people who use PrEP must commit to taking the drug every day and seeing their health care provider for follow-up appointments every three months.

PEP

PEP stands for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis.

  • PEP is a treatment regimen that can be taken by an HIV-negative person who believes they may have been exposed to an HIV infection.
  • PEP is proven to be an effective treatment that can prevent HIV infection when treatment is started within 72 hours of exposure.

If you believe you may have been exposed to an HIV infection, call Circle Care Center right away to schedule an appointment with one of our providers at 203-852-9525. Be sure to mention that you may have been exposed to HIV infection and that the appointment is urgent.

Benefits of Getting PrEP Locally VS. An Online Provider

 

No Hidden Fees

  • Many online prescription services market PrEP for free, but don’t explain upfront that there are monthly costs for their services and could include co-pays and lab costs depending on the type of insurance you have. All our costs are presented upfront and are more cost effective for every patient.

Unlimited Treatment Options

  • We offer every type of treatment available for PrEP on the market, whether it be a daily pill or an injectable every other month. Talk to your health care provider about the best option for you.

Maintain a Relationship

  • Getting your PrEP through a local health center allows you to maintain a relationship with a local primary care provider who can see you for other needs like getting sick, needing a vaccine or being referred to a specialist.

Tele-health or In-person

  • After your initial in-person appointment, choose if returning in-person or seeing your provider via tele-health is the right option for you.

Competitive Drug Pricing

  • Circle Care Center Pharmacy is a 340B Pharmacy offering competitive drug pricing and lots of savings for their patients.

Available Assistance

  • We have dedicated staff who can help if you are uninsured or underinsured. We can help get you insurance or find patient assistance plans to lower the cost of medications.

Free Shipping

  • Just like an online subscription, we offer free shipping directly to your door in discreet packaging. You also have the option to pick up your prescription in person while you’re here for your provider visit. This beats waiting days for shipping or having to make another stop at your pharmacy.

Support your local Community

  • As a 501c(3) non-profit medical center, profits made from our medical center and pharmacy are re-invested back into the community to support other local LGBTQI+ organizations.

 

 

Want to save money on your copays and deductibles?
Find out if you qualify for savings through Circle Care Center’s
340B program: CLICK HERE to learn more.

Should you be on PrEP?

 

If you answer yes to 1 or more of these questions, you should consider PrEP options
  • Do you have multiple sexual partners?
  • Do you have any sexual partners who are HIV-positive?
  • Do you find it difficult to use condoms consistently and correctly every time you have sex?
  • Have you been diagnosed with a STI?
  • Have you had sexual encounters without discussing each other’s testing history?
Ask us about PrEP options or request an appointment to discuss options with our providers

PrEP & PEP FAQs

  • PrEP is a treatment that should be used by HIV-negative people, in consultation with their health care provider, who may run the risk of being exposed to an HIV infection.

  • PrEP is available by prescription only and must be used under the supervision of a health care provider. All of the providers at Circle Care Center have experience prescribing PrEP and consulting with interested patients to explore if the treatment is right for them.

  • The staff at Circle Care Center’s onsite Pharmacy are well versed in helping patients to navigate the financial assistance that exists to pay for this medication. While PrEP is covered by most private insurance plans and state Medicaid programs, assistance exists to cover co-pays or other out-of-pocket expenses associated with the treatment.

  • PEP is a treatment proven to be most effective when taken within 48 hours of possible HIV exposure, though the treatment may be started within 72 hours of exposure. If you believe you may have been exposed to an HIV infection, you should access PEP treatment as soon as possible.

    Possible sources of exposure:
    – Unprotected vaginal or anal sex with someone who is HIV-positive or someone whose status you do not know.
    – Sharing needles for drug use, hormone injections, or tattooing with someone who is HIV-positive or someone whose status you do not know.