PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a drug that lowers someone’s risk for getting HIV if they don’t already have it. It helps prevent it when taken before any possible exposure to HIV.
In Quebec, people can get PrEP either as a pill or as an injection every two months. It’s most effective when taken according to instructions. Some people think of PrEP as the birth control of HIV! PrEP is different from PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).
Should I get on PrEP?
Deciding to start PrEP is a personal choice. Some things that might make a difference when someone is deciding are:
- Having anal or vaginal sex with someone whose status they don’t know
- Having anal or vaginal sex without a condom
- Having anal or vaginal sex with someone who is living with HIV and currently not on medication, or who hasn’t been able to become undetectable on medication
- If they plan on sharing a needle, or don’t have access to clean needles
Only a medical professional can prescribe PrEP. If you’re interested in taking it, you can talk to a doctor or pharmacist. They’ll ask you for a recent HIV test, and may also do other blood tests to check the health of your liver or kidneys. You’ll also get a chance to talk about why you’d like to start PrEP.
Generally, PrEP is usually prescribed to people who are considered at risk of HIV. Your prescriber will ask you questions about your sexual activity or drug use to find out what they think your level of risk is. If you find that your healthcare professional is not supportive of your decision to start PrEP, you have the option of seeking another opinion.
Where can I get PrEP?
A doctor or a pharmacist can now prescribe PrEP in Quebec. Sexual health clinics in Montreal may be more likely to prescribe it:
- Clinique La Licorne near Berri-UQAM metro
- l’Actuel near Beaudry Metro
- Clinique Médicale Quartier Latin near Beaudry Metro (for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men)
You can also get off-site support by the pharmacists at Pharmacy Proximed Amine Ben Abdennabi et Emmanuel Thibaudeau. You can get a prescription over the phone, and they’ll deliver your PrEP to you anywhere across Quebec!
You can also call 811 to ask a nurse where to go or search for a clinic near you, or make an appointment on Clic Santé.
How much does PrEP cost?
With Quebec’s Public Prescription Drug Plan, the monthly maximum for PrEP is 102.64. The public plan covers the whole cost if you’re under 18. It also covers it if you’re a full-time student who’s under 25, unmarried, and living with your parents.
Many private insurances, like Blue Cross or Studentcare, also cover some or all of it. It helps to ask them before in case you ever need it.
Without insurance, or if the insurance you have doesn’t cover it, PrEP costs about 250$ or more a month.
Can I take PrEP with other medications?
PrEP can be safely taken with many medications, including HRT and birth control. But some meds can reduce how well PrEP works to prevent HIV, or cause other unwanted side effects. Long-term use of anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) is not recommended. Some treatments for herpes and cold sores, anti-seizure medications as well as antifungals may reduce how well PrEP works for you.
You can talk to your prescriber about what medications you’re currently taking so that they can make any needed changes to your prescriptions.
