Your Care Options

Here you can learn about the care options available to help prevent HIV, stay healthy, and get support when you need it. You can explore as much or as little as you want.
Tap a section below to learn more.

About PrEP

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a prescription medication that helps prevent HIV. You take it before possible exposure to HIV, and when used as prescribed, it can lower your risk of getting HIV by more than 99%.

PrEP works for people of all genders, sexual orientations, and life situations. A pharmacist can help you choose the option that works best for you.

  • Description text goes hereTruvada was the first PrEP medication approved. A lower-cost generic version is also available.

    ·       Taken as a daily pill

    ·       More than 99% effective for sex

    ·       At least 74% effective for sharing injection equipment

    Protection begins:

    ·       After 7 days for anal sex

    ·       After 20 days for vaginal sex or injection drug use

    Common side effects

    ·       Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite

    ·       These are usually mild and short-term

    Long-term considerations

    ·       Rare effects on kidney health

    ·       Small changes in bone strength, which do not continue over time

    ·       Lab tests are used to monitor safety

    Truvada works well for most people and is often the most affordable option.

  • Descovy is a daily pill and is smaller than Truvada.

    ·       Taken as a daily pill

    ·       May have less impact on bones and kidneys

    Not recommended for:

    ·       People exposed to HIV through injection drug use

    ·       On-demand (2-1-1) PrEP use

    Common side effects

    ·       Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite

    Possible long-term effects

    ·       Weight gain

    ·       Changes in cholesterol

    Descovy may be a good option for people with kidney or bone concerns.

  • Apretude is a long-acting injectable form of PrEP.

    ·       Given as a shot into a muscle, usually in the butt

    ·       Shown to work even better than daily pills in studies

    ·       Approved for HIV prevention through sex

    ·       Not approved for prevention related to injection drug use

    How it works

    ·       First two months: one shot each month

    ·       After that: one shot every two months

    ·       Optional short pill trial before starting injections

    Things to know

    ·       Mild soreness at the injection site is common

    ·       Warm compresses or over-the-counter pain relief can help

    ·       It’s important to return on time for each shot

    Apretude may cost more, but help with insurance or assistance programs is available.

  • Yeztugo is a long-acting PrEP option given twice a year.

    ·       Given as a shot under the skin, not into a muscle

    ·       More than 99% effective

    ·       Approved for teens and adults over 77 pounds

    ·       Used for HIV prevention through sex

    ·       Not approved for prevention related to injection drug use

    How it works

    ·       First visit includes injections and pills

    ·       After that: injections every six months

    ·       Injections can be given in the abdomen, thigh, butt, or arm

    Common side effects

    ·       Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site

    ·       Headache or nausea

    ·       A small, usually painless bump at the injection site that may last several months

    Yeztugo offers strong protection with fewer visits. Assistance programs are available for both insured and uninsured people.

Who Can Take PrEP?

PrEP works for people of all genders and sexual orientations, including women, men, transgender and non-binary people, young people, and people who inject drugs. You can use PrEP on its own or with condoms or other prevention tools for extra protection.

There is no age limit for PrEP, but there are weight-based requirements:

  • Truvada and Descovy can be used by anyone who weighs at least 77 pounds

  • Apretude, the long-acting injectable form of PrEP, is approved for people 12 and older who weigh at least 77 pounds

A pharmacy team or healthcare provider can help you decide which option is right for you.

Ways to Take PrEP

There are three ways to take PrEP. The option that works best depends on your needs and lifestyle.

  • Daily oral PrEP (a daily pill)

  • PrEP 2-1-1 (on-demand pills around sex)

  • Long-acting injectable PrEP (shots instead of pills)

  • Daily oral PrEP means taking one pill every day to prevent HIV. Daily PrEP may be a good choice if you:

    ·       Have sex often, or are not sure when you might have sex

    ·       Share needles or injection equipment

    ·       Prefer a simple daily routine

    Many people find it helpful to take PrEP at the same time each day, such as when brushing teeth or waking up. Alarms or pill reminders can also help.

  • PrEP 2-1-1 means taking Truvada only around the times you have sex, instead of every day. It may work well if you:

    ·       Can plan ahead for sex

    ·       Have sex once a week or less

    How it works:

    ·       Take 2 pills 2 to 24 hours before sex

    ·       Take 1 pill 24 hours later

    ·       Take 1 more pill 24 hours after that

    If sex lasts more than one day, continue taking one pill each day until 48 hours after the last time you had sex.

    PrEP 2-1-1 has only been studied in gay and bisexual men and transgender women. It is not recommended for people who have vaginal sex or who share needles. Timing is important, so this option requires careful planning.

  • Injectable PrEP uses shots instead of daily pills.

    Apretude is given as a shot into a muscle, usually in the hip or butt

    ·       First two months: one shot each month

    ·       After that: one shot every two months

    Yeztugo is given as a shot under the skin, not into a muscle

    ·       After the first visit, injections are given every six months

    Injectable PrEP may be a good choice if you do not want to take daily pills and prefer fewer doses.

    Because medication levels decrease over time, it is important to return for follow-up visits on schedule so PrEP continues to work well.

Testing during your PrEP care

  • In California, pharmacists can start PrEP with one required test:

    ·       A negative HIV test

    If this test is negative and you are eligible, the pharmacist can provide up to a 90-day supply of PrEP so you can start protection right away.

  • To safely continue PrEP after the first 90 days, additional tests are required through a healthcare provider. These may include:

    ·       Kidney function tests, to make sure your body is handling the medication well

    ·       Cholesterol or other blood tests, depending on the PrEP option you use

    ·       STI testing, as part of routine sexual health care

    These tests are not needed to start PrEP at the pharmacy, but they are important for monitoring your health over time and helping you stay on PrEP safely.

  • The pharmacy team or a health worker can help you:

    ·       Understand which tests are needed

    ·       Find a provider or lab

    ·       Schedule follow-up testing

    You do not have to manage this on your own.

What Is PEP?

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is medication used in emergency situations after a possible exposure to HIV. It must be started within 72 hours to work.

  • ·       PEP is a combination of 2 to 3 HIV medications

    ·       It is taken every day for 28 days

    ·       The goal is to stop HIV from taking hold in the body

    To work, PEP must be taken every day as prescribed. PEP is safe for most people. Some may have mild side effects like nausea or stomach upset. These side effects can usually be treated and are not dangerous.

  • ·       Use condoms

    ·       Do not share injection equipment

    This helps reduce the chance of passing HIV to others if PEP does not work.

  • Because timing matters, get help as soon as possible. A pharmacy or healthcare provider can help you decide the next steps.

Hepatitis C (HCV) Testing and Care

We offer free hepatitis C testing and linkage to treatment for people in our communities, including those who currently or previously injected drugs. Everyone deserves to know their hepatitis C status and to have access to a cure.

  • Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Over time, it can cause liver inflammation and lead to serious liver disease if not treated.

  • Hepatitis C is transmitted through contact with infected blood. Even a small amount can cause infection. This can happen by:

    ·       Sharing needles, syringes, or other injection equipment

    ·       Sharing items like razors or toothbrushes

    ·       Using unclean tattoo or piercing equipment

    ·       Having sex, especially unprotected anal sex

  • Hepatitis C is diagnosed with blood tests:

    ·       An HCV antibody test shows if you have ever been exposed

    ·       A follow-up test checks if the virus is still in your body

  • Item descriptionToday, most people can be cured of hepatitis C with a once-daily pill taken for 8 to 12 weeks. These treatments are very effective, have few side effects, and are well tolerated.

    A pharmacist or health worker can help you understand your test results, explore treatment options, and connect you to care and support.

Safer Substance Use Supplies and Support

We offer supplies and education to help reduce health risks related to substance use. These services help prevent the spread of HIV and support overall health.

  • Narcan (naloxone) is an emergency medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. We provide free Narcan nasal spray and show how to use it.

    We also offer fentanyl test strips, which can tell you if fentanyl is present in a substance. These strips do not show how much fentanyl is there, only whether it is present. Fentanyl is a very strong opioid, much stronger than morphine. It is now commonly found in the drug supply across California and the U.S. and has led to many overdoses.

  • Supplies may include:

    ·       Syringes in different sizes

    ·       Sharps disposal containers

    ·       Sterile water and saline

    ·       Cookers and cotton

    ·       Alcohol wipes and hand sanitizer

    ·       Tourniquets

  • Supplies may include:

    ·       Aluminum foil and pipe covers

    ·       Wound care items such as gauze, medical tape, bandages, and antibiotic ointment

    ·       Free safer sex supplies

    All services are provided in a respectful, nonjudgmental setting.

What’s next?

Most people pay little or nothing. Help with costs is available.

Coverage and Cost
Contact and Support