PrEP & PEP: A Guide to HIV Prevention
KEY TAKEAWAYS
PrEP is a once-daily pill or long-acting injection prescribed to prevent HIV before exposure occurs. PEP is a short-term medication taken after a possible HIV exposure to help prevent infection.
Take Control of Your Sexual Health
Whether you're planning ahead with PrEP or need urgent PEP treatment after a possible exposure, you deserve to feel informed, supported, and protected. At WellNow Urgent Care | Canandaigua NY, we provide judgment-free and confidential HIV prevention services including PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).
IMPORTANT: PrEP and PEP are used to prevent HIV. If you’ve tested positive for HIV, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Visit HIVinfo.nih.gov for the latest, federally approved information on HIV/AIDS treatment and clinical research.
What is PrEP?
PrEP offers peace of mind, confidence and proactive control over HIV prevention and overall sexual health. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a once-daily pill or long-acting injection prescribed to prevent HIV before exposure occurs. When used consistently, it reduces the risk of HIV from sex by about 99%, offering protection that’s both safe and highly effective.
It’s approved for adolescents and adults without HIV who weigh at least 77 pounds and who may have risk factors related to sex or injection drug use.
Is PrEP Right For Me?
Your sexual health needs ongoing support and protection. PrEP may be a smart choice for anyone who wants to reduce their HIV risk, — regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or relationship status.
If you:
Do not know the HIV status of your sex-partner(s)
Have a partner living with HIV
Have new or multiple partners
Do not use condoms consistently
Have been recently diagnosed with an STI
Inject drugs or share injection equipment
If you’re unsure, speaking with a licensed provider can help determine what makes the most sense for your body and lifestyle. We provide confidential, respectful care in a close-knit community — privacy matters.
Types of PrEP Medication to Meet Your Needs
Not all PrEP is the same. A healthcare provider can help you choose one that aligns with your health history, body type, and lifestyle preferences. Our Sexual Health team can help you review these options and determine what works best for you.
Daily Oral PrEP Options
Truvada® (or generic equivalent)
Taken once daily
Approved for all sexes
Descovy®
Taken once daily
Not approved for receptive vaginal sex
Long-Acting Injectable PrEP
Apretude®
Given as an injection in-clinic
After starter doses, administered every 2 months
Ideal for those who prefer not to take a daily pill
PrEP for people who have receptive vaginal sex
Truvada® (or generic equivalent)
Daily pill
Apretude®
Injection every two months
The Most Effective Approach When Using PrEP
You have options when it comes to HIV prevention. PrEP is available as a daily pill or a long-acting injection every two months. The key to its effectiveness is consistency — taking it as directed allows it to provide its full protective benefit.
With PrEP, timing matters.
Daily PrEP reaches protective levels at different speeds depending on exposure type:
For anal sex: about 7 days of daily use
For vaginal sex and injection drug use: up to 21 days of daily use
Most people do very well on PrEP
Some people may feel mild nausea or an upset stomach when they first start taking it. These side effects usually get better over time. You will need a follow-up visit every 3 months.
At these visits, your provider will:
Test you for HIV
Screen for other STIs
Monitor your kidneys (for oral medications)
These checkups help ensure PrEP stays safe and effective for you.
The Process: What to expect:
Starting PrEP
Confidential consultation
HIV test (required before starting)
Kidney function bloodwork
STI screening
Prescription provided (if appropriate)
Follow-up every 3 months for monitoring
What is PEP?
PEP is a short-term medication taken after a possible HIV exposure to help prevent infection. It’s designed for urgent situations — and the sooner it’s started, the more effective it is. If exposure may have occurred, acting quickly can protect your health.
PEP Must Be Taken Within 72 Hours to Be Effective
PEP is time sensitive and may be recommended if:
A condom broke or wasn’t used
You learn that a recent partner is living with HIV
You shared needles or injection equipment
PEP must be started within 72 hours of exposure — and the sooner, the better. After 72 hours, it is unlikely to work. Treatment lasts 28 days, and completing the full course is essential.
PEP Side Effects
Serious side effects are uncommon. Most side effects are mild and may include:
Nausea
Fatigue
Headache
What to Expect When Starting PEP
If you believe you’ve been exposed, visit or contact our WellNow Urgent Care in Canandaigua or your nearest Sexual Health provider immediately within 72 hours of exposure. Same-day evaluation can make a critical difference.
Immediate evaluation
HIV testing
Testing for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, kidney and liver function, and other STIs
Medication started the same day
28-day prescription
Follow-up testing at recommended intervals
PrEP & PEP costs at WellNow Urgent Care
We offer transparent pricing to get you the help you need for confident sexual health & HIV protection.
We DO accept most major insurances
$175 self-pay for all subsequent visits
Max of $200 self-pay for additional testing available that require labs to be sent out - these tests can include STI Testing. Note: We do not control Quest blood work pricing or price if it goes through insurance.
Cost of medication not included. Most insurance plans and state Medicaid programs cover PrEP and PEP.
Most insurance plans — including those under the Affordable Care Act — cover PrEP at no cost to patients, including required lab work.
New York-Specific Assistance Programs
Ready, Set, PrEP (federal program) provides free PrEP medication for qualifying individuals without prescription coverage.
The New York State AIDS Institute offers assistance programs for medication and care support.
Manufacturer co-pay cards may reduce out-of-pocket costs.
If cost is a concern, our team can help you explore available options.
Your WellNow Urgent Care | Canandaigua NY clinic offers trusted and confidential specialty care for PrEP, PEP & Sexual Health available 7 days a week by appointment with walk-ins welcome. You can also call us at (585) 412-5630 or email wn5156@wellnow.com if you need to reach out or have questions.
IMPORTANT: PrEP and PEP are used to prevent HIV. If you’ve tested positive for HIV, see a healthcare provider immediately to start Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) as soon as possible.
PrEP and PEP FAQs
Is PrEP and PEP Confidential?
Yes. We cannot share any information with anyone without your written permission, including partners, parents or guardians. That means we can’t tell anyone why you visited our clinics, if you got tested for something and/or test results.
Is the medication FDA Approved?
There are FDA-approved PrEP options available as a daily pill and injectable.
How do I get started?
Schedule an appt at WellNow Urgent Care | Canandaigua NY. We’re available 7 days a week by appointment with walk-ins welcome. You can also call us at (585) 412-5630 to make an appt or by clicking here.
This information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/stophivtogether/hiv-prevention/prep.html, https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/general/pep/docs/npep_payment_options.pdf