A Better Routine to Prevent HIV

ACCESS now offers Cabotegravir (Apretude), an FDA-approved injectable form of PrEP, offering people a new choice for HIV prevention that does not require taking a pill every day. 

 

For more information on PrEP and other HIV services or to connect with a PrEP Navigator, make an appointment below or email us at PrEPConnect@achn.net

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Learn About Injectable PrEP

What is injectable PrEP?

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a medication used to prevent HIV infection among individuals who are at high risk for HIV. While PrEP has traditionally been available in daily pill form (like Truvada or Descovy), there are also long-acting injectable options. 

Injectable PrEP works by stopping HIV from multiplying in the body. Your first two injections will be spaced a month apart, followed by injections every two months. This long-acting shot helps ensure that there is a steady level of medication in your body to protect against HIV. 

How effective is injectable PrEP?

In clinical trials, Apretude was found to be even more effective than daily oral PrEP at preventing HIV from sex. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) injectable PrEP is highly effective for: 

  • Men who have sex with men and transgender women, Apretude reduced the risk of contracting HIV by 69% more than daily oral PrEP. 
  • Cisgender women, Apretude reduced the risk by 90% more than the daily pill.  

You may be eligible for injectable PrEP if you: 

  • Feel you may be at risk or are concerned about contracting HIV 
  • Prefer not to take a pill every day 
  • Have trouble remembering to take daily medication 
  • Want a more discreet method of HIV prevention 
  • Are HIV-negative 
  • Have had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months with a partner who is HIV-positive (especially with an unknown or detectable viral load)
  • Have had a recent sexually transmitted infection (STI)
  • Don’t regularly use condoms
  • Inject drugs, share needles or drug injection equipment

HIV Prevention Services at ACCESS include:

  • HIV Testing 
    • Lab tests in the health center, rapid tests and take-home kits available
  • PrEP (oral and injectable)
  • DoxyPep
  • Anal Pap Smears
  • Prevention Education
  • PrEP Patient Navigator Support 

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