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HIV Prophylaxis
Prophylaxis (also known as preventative medicine) refers to measures taken to prevent, not treat, diseases. For LGBT+ Center Kissimmee, HIV prophylaxis is particularly relevant. Aside from preventative measures like condoms and knowing the status of your partner(s), we can link you to prophylaxis in the form of prescription medications. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is medicine taken before a potential exposure (e.g. sex, intravenous drug use, needlestick); post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is taken after.
Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
PEP serves as your last resort/option to significantly reduce your chance of getting HIV if you feel you’ve been exposed to HIV (e.g. sex, needles, sexual assault). We classify this as a emergency since this medication can only be given no more than 72 hours (ideally, no more than 24 hours) after the exposure.
If PrEP was taken as directed by your medically-licensed provider, you shouldn’t need to use PEP because you are being protected by PrEP.
If PrEP was not taken as directed or for any other reason (e.g. ran out of pills, cannot take PrEP, expired/mishandled pills), please contact us or your provider as soon as possible to discuss whether or not PEP is advised and your options. If you cannot access these options before the 72 hour deadline, call 407-605-2252 for Crew Health‘s 24/7 emergency on-call line or go to local emergency room. While we and Crew Health can provide it for free, other providers/institutions may charge fees; however, depending on your circumstances, those options may be the most accessible.
*PEP is meant for unexpected/accidental/emergency situations.
Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
PrEP is medication that, when used correctly, can be highly effective at reducing your chance of getting HIV. Two PrEP medications are available: Truvada and Descovy (only approved for those assigned male at birth right now). LGBT+ Center Kissimmee can link clients to PrEP through Harmony Healthcare Orlando (services free of charge) or provide a referral list of providers. Before prescribing or re-prescribing PrEP, we have to confirm a few things including:
- STI/STD status. This includes HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. This is because, for example, if there is an HIV infection, PrEP will not be the right medication. People living with HIV have to take different medication.
- Liver and kidney function. Both of these organs are important for processing medications that you take.
Additional Questions?
LGBT+ Center Kissimmee: 407-201-2544 English/Spanish
Florida HIV Hotline: 800-352-2437 English, 800-545-7432 Español, 800-243-7101 Haitian Creole
National HIV Hotline: 800-448-0440 English/Spanish
National STD Hotline 800-232-4636 English/Spanish
*If calling outside of the United States, please precede the phone number with 01.
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