HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Medication | Richmond City Health Department

Programs that provide prescription medication that provides way for people at substantial risk for HIV to reduce the likelihood of infection by taking a pill every day in conjunction with other prevention measures. When someone is exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use, the medication can work to keep the virus from establishing a permanent infection. When taken consistently, PrEP (an acronym for "pre-exposure prophylaxis") has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are at high risk by up to 92%; but is much less effective if it is not taken consistently. PrEP is a powerful tool that is meant to be used as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention plan that includes consistent and correct use of condoms, HIV risk reduction counseling, regular HIV testing and screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.