r/prep

So i just moved to the US from Europe so dealing with health insurance companies is new to me. I have Aetna medical insurance thru my job. I haven’t used it yet and i haven’t even found myself a general physician as i have not needed to see a doctor yet. I was on Prep pills earlier but because i travel a lot for work the long lasting Yeztugo is better than bringing pills around. Does Aetna health insurance cover Yeztugo? Do i have to enroll in a special clinic to start it? I divide my time between Brooklyn, NY and Margate/Coral Springs in Florida.

32M, btm if that matters and very sexually active but it’s been two months since the last time I got to do the deed because I’ve had some itching around my anus and of course I need to get it check and my doctor test me for possible HPV and still awaiting results for the next couple weeks.

I am still taking PrEP everyday and I’m just wondering if it’s still worth taking it or is it ok to take a break for now and wait til I get my results? I don’t really see myself engaging in any kinds of sexual activity for maybe the next month because I’m just not confident or comfortable doing it for now. I totally forgot to talk about this to my doctor last week during my visit. Any thoughts?

Good morning everybody,

I need to ask about getting PrEP in PDX.

My preferred form of prep is the six month injection, Yeztugo (formally known as lenacapavir).

Previously, I was getting this administered at Legacy Health, where I would do the bloodwork. swabs and have it administered. Prior to a recent change, it was two appointments. One for the bloodwork and one appointment for the swabs and injection.

Legacy Medical Group recently implemented a policy change where my PCP can no longer administer this medication.

It now needs to be administered by a separate department, who can not administer (or have me administer- which is what I always do) the swabs. So in terms of scheduling it is actually three visits (Administration of medication at medication management services, bloodwork at the lab, and swabs/general PCP chat at doctor's office). This is problematic for me, for obvious reasons.

I am just wondering if anybody knows of any clinics in PDX where I can just get it all done in one go. I am aware of Prism. More options would be much appreciated! Thank you!

Probably going to cross post this across a few subreddits.

Edit - Forgot to mention: I am aware that the G/C test can be done via blood work but I have had that come out false negative and my understanding is that swabs are far more reliable for that one.

Also, just my general soapbox/thoughts on the whole thing below ------

I also would like to take this opportunity to call out the general irony here that this is exactly what they like to TELL us is the benefit of the HMO model to patient care. You are SUPPOSED to be able to go to these giant complexes and get everything done all in one go. That's the theory anyway haha. But as evidenced from this experience, it is honestly just more appointments lmao.

I got prep pills in March but didn’t start taking them until June 5th. They expire in 2027. I’m worried about where I stored them and if I put myself at risk. the pills were stored in a brown pharmacy bag on a desk under my bed, but that desk was beside my radiator. I’m not sure if my radiator was on because my room was always cold but I’m scared shitless and can’t stop thinking about it.

Has anybody here ever went straight to the apretude injection as their first form of prep?

As in you never went on truvada or descovy or the oral lead-in pills for apretude before. That your first ever form of prep was the injection.

I have trouble swallowing pills and the oral lead-ins are even too big for me. But i’m also worried about any potential allergic reactions to cabotegravir. I’m considering on just biting the bullet and going straight to injection.

Thanks for any and all help

Has anyone else had completely different side effects between Truvada and Descovy? Years ago, I took Truvada and only had some mild nausea that went away once I got used to it—no vomiting at all.

Recently, I started using MISTR and they prescribed Descovy (the doctor mentioned they don't offer Truvada). The first few times I took Descovy, it triggered intense nausea and sudden, projectile vomiting—something I’ve never experienced before in my life. It was so bad that I had to stop taking it entirely.

Did anyone else tolerate Truvada fine but have a severe reaction like this to Descovy?

So I got my testing kit to get on truvada and they supply an oral and anal swab for sti testing. Why no vaginal swab? Is there some kind of medical reason not to swab there? I know I’m supplying blood and urine as well. But I have vaginal sex most commonly and haven’t done anal in probably over a year. It just seems weird to be swabbing ass and not pussy. Any other time I’ve been sti tested in person, if I’m asked to swab anything I swab all 3 holes. Can someone explain why this is different? Being a trans man you often aren’t thought about from a medical perspective and I often have to be my own dr in a sense. I want to make sure they aren’t missing something important.

I just need to get this off my chest.

I met a guy on Grindr. Before we met, I had brought condoms because I wanted to have protected sex. He told me beforehand that he wanted to do it without a condom and said that he was on PrEP. I told him that I wasn't on PrEP, so I wanted to use a condom.

When I got to his place, he started rubbing his penis against my anus. I asked about the condom, and he said he was just "playing." A few seconds later, he penetrated me. I questioned him again about the condom, but he kept going, and I eventually gave in. Looking back, I feel like I made the biggest mistake of my life.

Afterward, he never replied to me again. I shared my social media with him, but he never followed me and completely ignored me. With so many red flags, I rushed to get PEP and started it less than 24 hours after the exposure.

Ever since then, I've been feeling like the stupidest person in the world. I keep asking myself: How could I let things get to that point? How could I have been so naive that I trusted the words of someone I had only just met on an app?

If all my tests are negative after finishing PEP, I'll feel like I was given a second chance at life. I know that people living with HIV can have long, healthy, and fulfilling lives, and I truly believe that. Even so, I can't help feeling terrified, especially because of the stigma that still exists.

I was the receptive partner, and he ejaculated inside me, so I know this was a high-risk exposure. I feel incredibly guilty and ashamed. I know there's nothing I can do now except complete PEP, get tested, and wait. I just really needed to tell someone how I've been feeling.

As for the side effects, I'm on day 6 of PEP and I haven't experienced any so far.

If you're reading this, please protect yourself. I can't stress that enough. The fear, anxiety, and emotional pain you feel after going through something like this are overwhelming. I wouldn't wish these feelings on anyone.

Going for my physical tomorrow. How do I broach the topic of getting a prep prescription? I’m older and a a private type lot of anxiety for me on this subject. Thank you community

Today was my 2nd 6 month injection. The injection was given in my right and left, top thigh area and the first injection was a similar experience to my 1st -slight burning, quiver feeling and sorness. The 2nd injection was given in my left thigh and in addition the previous sensations, I also expierenced nausea. I asked the medical technician/nurse prior to injection to be allowed to lay down and I am glad I did, because I also felt if I had been sitting up, I would have passed out. Now, 6 hours later and one dose of Tylenol, my legs are extremely sore. Anyone have opinions on whether taking a warm bath will help with the sorness? Or should I just take Advil and call it good?

Hey I’m a male and I started taking prep June 5th. Last week Monday I missed a dose and resumed on Tuesday and had a sexual encounter on Saturday. Did I lose effectiveness? Am I at risk? And should I get on pep?

should i take PEP? Took 2 pills on demand and had bare sex only after 1.5 hrs passed. I am the inserter and bottom says he's taking PrEP daily. help

It is silly but it’s health that is on the line the question being does 2-1-1 tenvier em is suitable or even recommended if take before kissing if there is gum bleeding or you might say needle stick bleeding from mouth and the same will it be good if you have insertive sex , but might have some shaving cuts here and there ?

Hey! Looking for advice on whether this situation warrants taking the 28-day PEP course. Last night I topped 5 or 6 men without a condom. I’m not on PrEP, but I’m HIV negative.

I’m not entirely sure of the HIV status of all of these partners and since I didn’t use protection I’m wondering if this situation warrants PEP or if it’s overkill given that the odds of getting HIV from topping are low. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

Hey everyone,
I was recently prescribed Descovy for PrEP, and I’m excited to have the extra protection, but I’m also dealing with a lot of anxiety about actually taking it.
I’ve spent way too much time reading articles and posts, reviews, and comments about side effects, and now I’ve kind of psyched myself out. I’ve seen people mention nausea, stomach issues, headaches, weight gain, kidney problems, and other things, and it’s making me hesitate to even take the first pill.
I know people are much more likely to post when they have a bad experience than when everything goes fine, so I’m trying to keep that in mind. Still, my anxiety keeps telling me I’ll be one of the people who has a terrible reaction.
For those of you on Descovy:
How was it when you first started?
Did you have any side effects, and if so, how long did they last?
If you had anxiety before starting, what helped you get over that first pill?
I’m not looking for medical advice—I’ll follow up with my doctor if I have concerns. I just want to hear some real experiences from people who’ve actually taken it, especially if your experience ended up being better than you expected.
Thanks in advance. ❤️

Hey all, it’s been a while since I’ve been on prep and I’m trying to get back on it. I did a little bit of research and found that you can start off with a double dose on your first go to basically bring you up to follow the protection within 2-24 hours of taking it. so I did that, but I missed the following days dose. I haven’t done anything that would expose me to any potential HIV, but my question is is that they took two doses, miss the following day, can I just take a single dose on what would be the third day and still have high enough levels of protection? Or should I restart with a double dose on the third day?

Everyone on Yeztugo or about to go on Yeztugo, what insurance do you have? And what was your experience requesting and then getting it approved?

Hey folks. Since it is a popular topic, I thought I'd offer my experience with Yeztugo so far. Little background about me, 42, Black male, mostly sexually active with women, but I occasionally have sex with men. Currently reside in NC in the Triangle and been here for about 5 months.

So I had a PrEP appointment about 2 weeks ago to discuss moving from Descovy to Yeztugo due to some side effects I was experiencing. I met with the PA, discussed it, and he thought I would be a good candidate for Yeztugo. It was a telehealth appointment, so I was scheduled for labs (HIV Rapid and HIV RNA tests), which I did the next day, then I waited.

Got a message on Monday from the pharmacy that the medication was ready, and I had to call the clinic to schedule the shot. I had my appointment yesterday, and I first met with the pharmacist who reviewed the medication since it was my first time (she was impressed about how much I knew already), gave me the pills that needed to be take and a note with the next appointment window and phone number in case there are any issues.

Then the Nurse came in. We chatted for a moment while he set up everything and I held the ice packs on the sites where it would be injected. Then I laid on the table, sprayed the area with a numbing agent, and he gave me one shot, put band aid on, and gave me the other. There was absolutely no pain with mine. I can tell he was giving the injection but i didn't even feel the needle go in.

Afterwards, went to work for a little bit then went home. When I took off the band aids, there was a bit of leakage, but it was minor.

There's a bit of soreness this morning, but it is also minimal. I can't see the nodules, but I can feel them if I touch them.

I'm going to take my second set of pills in a little bit and then I'll be happy I can take one less pill.

If there are any major changes or updates, I'll try to remember to come back and talk about them, but I do not regret it so far!

Just like some other users, I had some leakage when I received my Yeztugo injections yesterday.

This is the first time my doctor has given Yeztugo, so they didn't know if the amount of my leakage was normal or if it necessitated another injection. They told me to call Gilead's Medical Information Team (1-866-MEDI-GSI), which I did.

The pharmacist customer service agent told me that there was nothing in the prescribing documentation about leakage--which I knew because I had already read the entire 20+ page document. They then told me to ask my healthcare provider for an answer.

Which, obviously, mine can't do because they don't know anything about Yeztugo. I went around and around with the rep, explaining I just wanted someone to give me an idea about efficacy when there is some leakage, or efficacy with a lower dose. She just kept telling me to ask my healthcare provider. And she actually started laughing at me at one point during the call. WTF?

So who would know the answer to this question? I think many of us want some kind of assurance or answers around leakage. What's too much leakage for the medication to be as effective? If anyone has a contact at Gilead, I'm happy to speak with them directly as well.