Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV Prevention

This information sheet discusses CDC's first comprehensive guidelines for use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as a means of preventing HIV. PrEP is a way to prevent HIV by taking a pill containing two drugs that are used to treat the infection. The new federal guidelines for health care providers recommend that PrEP be considered for people who are HIV-negative and at substantial risk for HIV infection. The pill must be taken every day by people who are exposed to HIV to be most effective in order to stop the virus from establishing a permanent infection. Individuals should talk to their doctor if they believe they could benefit from this medication. Health care providers should also discuss PrEP with heterosexual couples in which one partner is HIV-positive and the other is HIV-negative as one of several options to protect the partner who is HIV-negative during conception and pregnancy. The guidelines are available at www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/guidelines/PrEPguidelines2014.pdf.