PrEP

At Philadelphia FIGHT… Anyone can access PrEP

PrEP works by protecting your body’s T cells in your immune system. The medication puts up a protective barrier around these cells so when the HIV virus enters the body, the virus is not able to attack the body’s T cells.

After taking PrEP consistently for 1 week, the medication in PrEP forms a type of protective shield around your body’s CD4 T cells.

If or when you are exposed to HIV through unprotected sex or sharing injection drug equipment, HIV can enter your body.

When HIV enters the body, it looks for CD4 T cells to attack. HIV can only use this specific type of cell to replicate.

Once HIV reaches the CD4 T cells, HIV is unable to attack them because PrEP has created a protective shield to block HIV.

Since the virus is not able to attack the CD4 T cells and replicate, the virus cells die off and do not cause HIV infection.

Taking PrEP is a personal decision and can be a very important decision for people who are HIV negative and want to prevent getting HIV. Discuss PrEP with your provider and see if this HIV prevention strategy is right for you.

If any of the risks below relate to you, then consider taking PrEP!

• Are not in a mutually monogamous sexual relationship
• Do not use condoms regularly or consistently
• Have an HIV positive partner
• Have a partner who you are unsure of their HIV status
• Are currently a Sex Worker

• Have injected drugs in the past 6 months
• Have shared needles or syringes in the past 6 months
• Have a sexual partner who injects drugs

• Have been prescribed PEP for reasons relating to sexual encounters or drug use
• Have been diagnosed with an STD in the past 6 months

Still unsure? Give us a call at (215) 545-PREP and talk to a PrEP counselor today.

Philadelphia FIGHT is committed to providing healthcare services, including Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, to all people regardless of health insurance status or ability to pay.

Insurance will cover the cost of your provider visits, lab work and medication.

No insurance? No problem! Philadelphia FIGHT is a Federally Qualified Health Center and will be able to meet your needs regardless of your insurance status as well as help to assist you with applying for any benefits you may qualify for.

Need help paying for PrEP? Our PrEP counselors can help you apply for a variety of patient assistance programs to get PrEP for the lowest possible price.