Care that fits your life – no video calls, no appointments
Care that fits your life – no video calls, no appointments
Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)
Oral medication used for HIV prevention, approved by the FDA for PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis).
We also offer DoxyPEP for bacterial STIs prevention – Learn more here.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) uses a combination of antiretroviral medications to stop HIV from making copies of itself in your body after a recent exposure. The medications target the virus at different stages of its life cycle:
Reverse transcriptase inhibitors (like tenofovir and emtricitabine) block the HIV enzyme that converts its RNA into DNA — an essential step for the virus to take hold in your body.
Integrase inhibitors (like raltegravir or dolutegravir) prevent the virus’s DNA from being inserted into your body’s immune cells, where it would usually hide and multiply.
With consistent use, PrEP lowers the risk of getting HIV by up to 99% from sex, and it keeps working as long as the medication is taken regularly.
PrEP stops HIV from taking hold and multiplying in the body. It works by blocking the enzyme HIV uses to copy itself, preventing infection even if you’re exposed.
PrEP may be right for you if:
You are sexually active, don’t consistently use condoms, or have partners whose HIV status is unknown or positive
You’ve had a sexually transmitted infection in the past 6 months
You’re in a serodiscordant relationship (one partner is HIV+)
You identify as male, female, trans, nonbinary, or intersex
Take 1 tablet once daily, at the same time each day.
For vaginal sex (including cisgender women): Take it daily for 21 days before you’re protected.
For anal sex (including MSM or any receptive anal exposure): Take it daily for 7 days before protection is reliable.
For people who inject drugs: Take daily for at least 7 days for full coverage.
Continue taking PrEP daily as long as you want ongoing protection. Don’t skip doses.
This is only for cisgender men who have sex with men with infrequent anal sex. Not for women, trans men, or people with vaginal exposure.
How it works:
Take two pills (Truvada or generic) 2 to 24 hours before sex
Take one pill 24 hours after the first dose
Take one pill 24 hours later
You must continue dosing if sex continues. If you miss the window, revert to daily PrEP.
Avoid PrEP if you:
Are living with HIV (PrEP is not HIV treatment)
Have significantly reduced kidney function (eGFR < 60 mL/min)
Have osteoporosis or are at high risk for bone loss
Take other meds that affect kidneys (e.g., NSAIDs, antivirals)
Are allergic to tenofovir or emtricitabine
Cannot commit to regular dosing or follow-up testing
Take one tablet orally once daily, at the same time each day.
You may take PrEP on demand: Two pills 2 to 24 hours before sex, one pill twenty-four hours after the first dose, and one pill 24 hours later if you’re a cisgender man who has sex with men.
No. We can only prescribe Truvada once your lab results have been reviewed. If you don’t have recent results, we’ll provide a lab slip or suggest a home test kit to get started.
Every 3 months. Ongoing PrEP use requires repeat HIV testing, kidney monitoring, and STI screening to stay safe and effective.
Yes. If you’ve taken PrEP before, we still need your most recent lab results (within the last 3 months). These must include an HIV test, kidney function, and STI screening. You can upload these during your intake form.
Yes. If you’re a cisgender man who has sex with men, you may be eligible for on-demand PrEP using the 2-1-1 method:
Two pills to 24 hours before sex
One pill 24 hours later
One more pill 24 hours after that
This method does not work for vaginal sex, trans men (female to male), or injection drug use.
For anal sex (receptive): ~7 days of daily use.
For vaginal sex or injection drug use: ~20 days of daily use.
Missed 1 dose? Take it as soon as you remember. You’ll still have strong protection.
Missed 2+ doses? Your protection may drop — resume daily dosing and use condoms or avoid high-risk exposure for a few days.
How much does protection drop?
After 1 missed day: Protection remains high (~96–99%).
After 2 missed days: Protection may drop to ~80–90%, depending on individual factors.
Most people tolerate it well.
Possible side effects:
Mild stomach upset (nausea, gas)
Headache
Fatigue
Weight loss (rare)
You should continue taking Truvada (TDF) for at least 28 days after your last potential exposure if you’re discontinuing PrEP. If you’re consistently at risk, it’s safest to continue daily dosing without interruption. Always talk to your provider before stopping PrEP to make sure it’s the right time.
Yes, but we currently prescribe Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) for most patients. Descovy is similar in action but more expensive and typically reserved for specific cases (e.g., men who have sex with men and who have kidney/bone concerns). It is not FDA-approved for vaginal/frontal sex-based HIV prevention.
Most insurance plans, including Medi-Cal, cover generic Truvada. As low as $0-$30/month with insurance.
Descovy isn’t always covered unless there’s a medical reason (e.g. kidney or bone issues). Descovy: Can cost over $1,800/month without insurance or discounts.
