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PreP offered in Fargo, ND
PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a medicine that helps prevent HIV. At Canopy Medical Clinic in Fargo, North Dakota, Val Erickson, DNP, CNP, FNP-BC, Heidi Selzler-Echola, APRN, WHNP-BC, and the team offer PreP to help reduce your chance of getting HIV from sex by as much as 99%. Call today or use our online scheduling tool to book an appointment online and find out more about PrEP.
PreP Q & A
Canopy Medical Clinic offers PrEP and PEP services in our Fargo, North Dakota location, as well as through telehealth.
Who is a candidate for PrEP?
If you are sexually active and don’t already have HIV, you’re a candidate for PrEP. Patients who choose to take PrEP usually have had anal or vaginal intercourse in the last six months and:
- Have a sexual partner with HIV
- Choose not to use condoms regularly
- Have been diagnosed with another sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the past six months
You may also choose PrEP if you have shared needles for IV drug use in the last six months.
PrEP is also appropriate for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant but are at high risk of contracting HIV.
How do PrEP and PEP differ?
PrEP is usually dosed as an ongoing daily pill or bi-monthly injection for people who may be exposed to HIV in the future. It can be very effective in preventing HIV when taken correctly.
PEP, which stands for post-exposure prophylaxis, is a short-term treatment provided when you’ve been exposed to HIV within the past 72 hours. PEP can help you avoid developing the disease after this exposure.
How is PrEP delivered?
At Canopy Medical Clinic, PrEP is provided as a daily pill or a bimonthly injection. It gives maximum protection from HIV at about seven days of daily use for people who participate in receptive anal sex. For those receiving vaginal sex or injecting drugs, use PrEP pills for at least 21 days for maximum protection.
How do I pay for PrEP?
Most insurance plans and state Medicaid programs cover the treatment. Under the Affordable Care Act, PrEP must be free under almost all health insurance plans. You cannot be charged for your PrEP medication or the clinic visits and lab tests you need to maintain your prescription.
If you don’t have insurance or Medicaid coverage, there are programs that make PrEP medication available at no cost to qualifying patients. The team can also work with other programs to help reduce the cost of these medications.
Contact Canopy Medical Clinic to find out more about PrEP and if it’s right for you. Call today or use this website to book an appointment online.