THE MOCHA PrEP CLINIC
A safe and culturally sensitive space to get access to HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP: one pill, once a day, that reduces your risk of HIV).
Clinic Services:
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Access to HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
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A team that can help you determine whether PrEP is right for you
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Assistance with the cost of medication (whether insured or uninsured)
NOTE: Emergency PEP/PrEP: If you might have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, please visit any medical emergency room and request PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis). If you have an urgent need or request for PEP or PrEP, email us and include “Urgent” in the subject line.
PrEP Frequently Asked Questions
What is PrEP?
PrEP is short for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It’s a pill you can take daily if you don’t have HIV to reduce your risk of becoming infected.
What makes a person at risk for HIV?
A male or transgender person who has had sex with men and has one or more of the following risks:
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Diagnosis of rectal or urethral gonorrhea, rectal chlamydia, or early syphilis in the last 12 months
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Methamphetamine or poppers use in the last 12 months
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History of providing sex for money, drugs, food, shelter or transportation in the last 12 months
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Unprotected anal sex outside of a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship
Anyone who is in an ongoing sexual relationship with an HIV-infected person who:
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Is not on antiretroviral therapy (ART)
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Is on ART but is not virologically suppressed
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Is within 6 months of initiating ART
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Is on ART and is virologically suppressed
Anyone who is in an ongoing sexual relationship in which the female partner is trying to get pregnant.
Anyone who provides sex for money, drugs, food, shelter or transportation.
Anyone who injects drugs that are not prescribed by a medical provider
Who should take PrEP?
PrEP is for HIV negative people who are at risk of becoming HIV positive through sexual activity or injecting drugs. Black men who have sex with men have a 1-in-2 (50%) lifetime risk of getting HIV, which is by far the highest rate of all risk groups. Latinx MSM have a 1-in-5 (20%) lifetime risk of HIV and are the second highest risk group. Taking PrEP greatly reduces the risk of getting HIV.
How does PrEP work?
PrEP works by stopping HIV from making copies of itself if it enters your body. If HIV can’t make copies, it can’t create an infection. But PrEP only works if you have enough of the drug in your body. So it’s important to take it as prescribed: often one pill, once a day.
Is PrEP Effective?
PrEP is highly effective when taken as prescribed. It has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are at risk for HIV by approximately 99%.
Is PrEP safe? What are the side effects?
PrEP is safe. The drugs used for PrEP have been documented to be safe and continue to be carefully monitored. Stomach upset and headaches are common side effects of taking PrEP. However, these symptoms are usually mild and go away after your body gets used to the drug. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
How do I pay for PrEP?
Most people on PrEP have zero out of pocket expenses because of the various medical, drug, and co-pay assistance program that exist such as the Washington State PrEP Drug Assistance Program. The MOCHA PrEP Clinic staff will work to make sure your medical visits and your PrEP prescription is low to no cost…even if you don’t have health insurance.
How long do I need to take PrEP, and can I stop?
Starting PrEP doesn’t mean you need to take it for the rest of your life. However, we recommend taking PrEP as prescribed if you remain sexually active and at high risk.