Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a way for people who do not have HIV, but who are at substantial risk of getting it, to prevent HIV infection by taking a pill every day. When someone is exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use, these medicines can work to keep the virus from establishing a permanent infection.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance recommends PrEP be offered to individuals with “ongoing, very high risk for acquiring HIV infection.” In practice, this can be difficult to determine and risk varies depending on local epidemiology. Identifying potential PrEP candidates begins with taking a sexual and drug use history.

PrEP may be a good choice if you are HIV-negative and any of the following apply:

• Have a sexual partner with HIV.
• Have a drug injection partner with HIV.
• Have not used condoms regularly.
• Have been diagnosed with an STD in the last six months.
• Share drug injecting equipment (needles, cookers, syringes, etc.).
• Have been prescribed non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and have continued risk behavior or have used multiple courses of PEP.

There are multiple medications currently approved for use as PrEP, including Truvada®, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (generic), Descovy®, and Apretude®.

• Truvada® is for people at risk through sex or injection drug use.
• Descovy® is for people at risk through sex but is not approved for people assigned female at birth who are at risk of getting HIV from vaginal sex.
• Apretude® is a long acting, injectable medication for adults and adolescents.

If you think you may be at high risk for HIV, talk to your health care provider about whether PrEP is right for you.

PrEP4Illinois covers the cost of Truvada® (brand and generic) and Descovy® when prescribed by a  health care provider. Apretude® is not included on the PrEP4IL formulary at this time but is currently being evaluated for future coverage.

To view and complete the application, CLICK HERE and have the  information available:

• Signed and dated Authorization to Release and Privacy Practice Form (download English) (download Spanish).
• Documentation of Illinois residency* dated within the last 90 days? Examples of acceptable documents include, but are not limited to:
  • Utility, cell phone, or another bill.
  • Payroll stubs.
  • School records.
  • If homeless or without stable housing, an Affidavit for Verification of Residency may be completed. (download English)(download Spanish).

*A  driver's license or state issued photo ID as proof of residency are not acceptable as documentation.

• Proof of insurance coverage must be provided by submitting copies of the front and back of your insurance card(s) for all applicable medical and/or prescription insurance policies you may have. This requirement may be waived in situations where applicants are unable to obtain the required insurance documentation due to circumstances, such as domestic violence, minors on parent's insurance, disclosure issues, refugee status, temporary relocation due to natural disasters, etc.
• Prescribing provider information (name of provider and facility).

These documents are required with your application. You may:

• Submit them with your application.
• Fax them to IDPH at 855-253-9149.
• Email them to dph.prep4il@illinois.gov.

For assistance from Gilead Advancing Access for HIV Prevention, contact 800-226-2056 or www.gileadadvancingaccess.com.

Visit the CDC PrEP Resources Page for infographics, videos, fact sheets, reports, and other educational materials about PrEP, including resources for health care providers.

For a list of PrEP sites that offer financial assistance for HIV/STI testing and lab and doctor visits, CLICK HERE.

For a list of PrEP providers, check the PrEP Locator for options in Illinois and across the country.

Learn more about how to protect yourself and get information tailored to meet your needs from the CDC HIV Risk Reduction Tool (BETA).

For information on PEP or post-exposure prophylaxis (taking medicine to prevent HIV after a possible exposure) CLICK HERE.

For more information on HIV/AIDS CLICK HERE.

To find a PrEP4 Illinois participating pharmacy near you and other information about PrEP, visit the Ramsell Illinois PrEP Website.

Truvada® for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Medication Assistance Program Application

IDPH Launches PrEP4Illinois, the Illinois Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Assistance Program