Protect yourself from HIV
Book an appointment with DCHHS to get started with PrEP
2377 N. Stemmons Freeway • Suite 100
Dallas, TX 75207
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What is PrEP?
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine people at risk for HIV take to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed.
How Does it Work?
There are two medications approved for use as PrEP.
Truvada® is for all people at risk through sex or injection drug use.
Descovy® is for people at risk through sex, except for people assigned female at birth who are at risk of getting HIV from vaginal sex.
Can I stop using condoms if I take PrEP?
Sure, but PrEP provides protection from HIV, not against other STDs.
FAQs
How much does PrEP cost?
PrEP is free for many people through health insurance and assistance programs. If you do not have insurance, you can get help paying for PrEP.
What side effects can I expect?
PrEP is safe but some people experience side effects like diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain. These side effects usually go away over time.
How long do I have to take PrEP before it is highly effective?
PrEP reaches maximum protection from HIV for receptive anal sex (bottoming) at about 7 days of daily use. For receptive vaginal sex and injection drug use, PrEP reaches maximum protection at about 21 days of daily use.
Can adolescents take PrEP?
Yes. PrEP is approved for use by adolescents without HIV who weigh at least 75 pounds (35 kg) and who are at risk for getting HIV from sex or injection drug use.
Why do I need to take PrEP as prescribed?
You must take PrEP as prescribed for it to work. If you do not take PrEP as prescribed, there may not be enough medicine in your bloodstream to block the virus. The right amount of medicine in your bloodstream can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading in your body.
If I am not at ongoing risk for getting HIV, can I take PrEP only when I’m at risk?
Taking PrEP only when you are at risk for getting HIV is known as “on-demand” PrEP.
To find out if you can or should take PrEP, you first need to get tested for HIV. To learn more about Dallas County Health and Human Services or visit please click here. If you test negative for HIV, talk to your doctor about starting or restarting PrEP.
I’m ready. How do I start PrEP?
First, you’ll need to find a health care provider or call the Dallas County Health and Human Services to make an appointment.
Before starting PrEP you’ll need to have a negative HIV test.
About the Dallas County Health and Human Services Sexual Health Clinic
Together, we can end the spread of HIV in our communities. With PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV), you can protect yourself from HIV. Simply take a pill every day to help protect yourself. Services we provide in addition to PrEP:
Testing
Available for HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Trichomonas. We ask you to call us back for routine test results in 4-5 business days.
Treatment
Available for Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Trichomonas.