Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) can help reduce the risk of contracting HIV.

A person can take PrEP before possible HIV exposure. It can be used as a long-term preventive measure to help reduce the risk of infection at any point during use. PrEP can be taken as a daily pill or administered as a bimonthly injection.

The once-daily pill Truvada is available in both brand-name and generic forms. It can help reduce the risk of HIV infection through sexual contact or injection drug use.

The once-daily pill Descovy and bimonthly injection Apretude are only available as brand-name medications. They can help reduce the risk of HIV infection through sexual contact.

People of any sex, gender, or anatomy can use Truvada and Apretude. Descovy only has approval for people with male anatomy.

A person takes PEP after possible HIV exposure, but this must start within 72 hours to be effective. It involves taking pills once or twice daily for at least 28 days. Anyone can use PEP to help reduce the risk of HIV infection.

Share on Pinterest
Written by Tess Catlett and designed by Maya Chastain

Tess Catlett is a sex and relationships editor at Healthline, covering all things sticky, scary, and sweet. Find her unpacking her inherited trauma and crying over Harry Styles on Twitter.