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HIV: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

PrEP is a way to prevent HIV

By taking one PrEP pill a day or receiving the long-acting injectable PrEP, a person using PrEP can reduce their risk of HIV transmission by up to 99%.

What is PrEP?

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medicine you can take to prevent HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). It works by stopping the virus from taking hold in the body and spreading.

The medicine is prescribed by a health care provider for HIV-negative adults and teenagers who are at risk of getting HIV through sex or drug injection.

  • Cabotegravir 200mg (Apretude®)
    • Recommended for all adults and teenagers at risk for HIV through sex or drug injection.
    • Learn more about long-acting injectable PrEP and read frequently asked questions (FAQs).
  • Yeztugo 927mg (Yeztugo®)
    • Recommended for all adults and teenagers at risk for HIV through sex or drug injection.

If you see a health care provider for PrEP, you’ll first have to undergo tests to make sure it’s right for you.

These include:

  • A creatinine level test for kidney function.
  • A hepatitis B test.
  • An antigen/antibody HIV test to confirm you don’t have the virus.
  • A panel of tests for sexually transmitted infections, including:
    • Chlamydia
    • Gonorrhea
    • Syphilis

You’ll also need to come back every three to six months for follow-up visits. During these visits, you’ll receive tests for HIV and sexually transmitted infections. PrEP doesn’t protect you against bacterial sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. That’s why follow-up visits are important. Condoms are still the most effective way to protect against these types of infections.

Is PrEP for me?

PrEP is meant for people who have substantial risk for getting HIV. People who may be at substantial risk for getting HIV are:

  • Someone who has sex with a partner who has HIV.
  • Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men who engage in condomless anal sex with someone whose HIV status is unknown.
  • Transgender women who engage in condomless anal sex with someone whose HIV status is unknown.
  • People who share injection drug use equipment with someone who may be HIV positive.

Questions on the Wisconsin PrEP assessment tool, P-01197 (PDF) may help you determine if you are at substantial risk for HIV:

  • Some people may not be able to take PrEP because of medical reasons. Before prescribing PrEP, a physician would assess your kidney function and bone health to determine how PrEP may affect you.
  • For oral PrEP to be fully effective, Truvada® must be taken every day. If you want to use oral PrEP to prevent HIV, you must be committed to taking a pill once a day.
  • Truvada® may have some minor side effects when you first start on PrEP. These side effects may include upset stomach, loss of appetite, or a mild headache. These symptoms usually go away within the first month.
  • Injectable PrEP is an option for those who do not want to take a pill every day. Injectable PrEP is administered by a health care provider.
  • The initial administration will require two injections be given one month apart, and then administration will move to once every two months after initial establishment for lasting effectiveness.
  • Injectable PrEP is another method proven to be effective for cis-gender women and transgender men who have vaginal intercourse. If you miss a dose of injectable PrEP by more than seven days, please consult with a health care provider to be reassessed for a preventative plan.

See the resources below or contact your health care provider:

Where do I get PrEP?

Any doctor can prescribe pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). You may want to ask your doctor if he or she would prescribe PrEP for you. There are also online, and TelePrEP services available.

Not all doctors are familiar with PrEP.

If you do not have a doctor or would like to go to a different medical provider to get PrEP, see the Wisconsin PrEP service providers, P-01180, (available in English and Spanish) in Wisconsin. This is a list of providers who are offering PrEP and indicated interest in being included on this listing. It is not an exhaustive list of all clinicians providing PrEP in Wisconsin. The Department of Health Services does not recommend specific providers.

How is PrEP paid for?

The US Preventive Services Task Force issued a Grade A recommendation for PrEP. This means most private insurance and Medicaid programs are required to cover PrEP services without cost sharing, like copays or deductibles. Some insurance companies may require prior authorization.

In Wisconsin, BadgerCare Plus also covers PrEP.

If you do not have health insurance or have high copays or deductibles, there are programs that will help with the cost.

  • If you have health insurance: Find out what your insurance plan covers. Some insurance companies require that you get a pre-authorization or see a specialist.
  • If you do not have health insurance: You may be eligible for Wisconsin’s Medical Assistance program—BadgerCare Plus. There are agencies that can assist you with applying for BadgerCare Plus.
  • If you are not eligible for health insurance or BadgerCare Plus, or have high deductibles or copays: This flow chart from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) can help show you how to get PrEP paid for.

Glossary

 
Last revised October 26, 2026