Shop Alto Essentials to add pharmacy products to any delivery!

Your partner in navigating the ins and outs of prescriptions — at no extra cost.

Alto Pharmacy Technician

Alto Pharmacist

It’s official: Alto Pharmacy is a great place to work! We’re honored to join the community of Great Place to Work-Certified™ companies based on team member feedback and a rigorous assessment of our company’s culture and benefits.

Join us in delivering our industry-leading pharmacy care to millions of people across the country. As a member of the team, you’ll play an integral role in improving our customers’ quality of life and redefining what’s possible in pharmacy. 

Be Part of a Great Place to Work — Join Our Team

Hear first-hand from members of the Alto technology teams.

Read the latest Alto blog posts covering healthcare, family health, managing diseases, and other Alto highlights.

Blog | Alto Pharmacy

Despite the misconception of HIV as an illness that primarily affects young people, nearly half of all those with HIV in the U.S. are age 50 and older. This is both a testament to the effectiveness of treatment, as many of these individuals were diagnosed at an earlier age, and a reminder that people of all ages can receive an HIV diagnosis.

HIV and Aging: What to Know

As the HIV population ages, management of the condition continues to evolve, with different health challenges to navigate. Below, we highlight several important health considerations to be mindful of.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been the frontline treatment for HIV since 1995. It is a combination of medications that keep HIV from replicating, stopping the progression of the virus and preventing transmission.

When all medications are taken every day as prescribed, ART can help those with HIV maintain an undetectable viral load. As a result, more than half of all individuals living with HIV in the U.S. are not at risk of transmitting the virus to others.

Regular attendance at doctor’s appointments is an important part of proactively managing HIV. Your provider needs to monitor your body’s response to your individual ART protocol, testing bone, kidney, metabolic, cardiovascular, cognitive, and liver function. (Thanks to the variety of medication options, it is easy to make adjustments as needed if you experience side effects or don’t achieve the desired results.)

For older adults with HIV, ongoing monitoring and testing is especially important, as there is a greater possibility of side effects such as impaired cognitive function and bone health issues.

It is also important to closely monitor how ART interacts with other medications. As you age, you are more likely to be prescribed multiple medications to manage several conditions.

People of all ages should be regularly tested for HIV, since a diagnosis is possible at any age. Older individuals are less likely to be tested — and more likely to receive a late diagnosis — due to the following factors:

The misconception of HIV as exclusively a young person’s illness

The overlap between HIV symptoms and typical signs of aging

Remember that getting tested is the only way to know your HIV status. Continue to stay proactive about regular testing every year. Search for an HIV testing site near you.

Older adults with HIV are more likely to also have health conditions associated with aging, including:

Here’s a quick look at how HIV intersects with several of these health issues.

The ongoing immune system activity and inflammation caused by HIV can contribute to plaque accumulation in blood vessels, a leading factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. Statins, a type of cholesterol-lowering medication, have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease in individuals with HIV.

To protect your heart health while living with HIV, stay on track with preventative care. Your provider should regularly check your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar. Additionally, maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle, with healthy habits like exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and refraining from smoking.

HIV has been linked to a greater risk of cancers including liver cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Ask your doctor about the recommended frequency of screenings for these types of cancer as well as others that are not related to HIV and AIDS.

The gradual loss of bone mass is a normal part of aging. For those with osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones, the changes are more pronounced. HIV can increase a person's risk of developing osteoporosis. (While osteoporosis disproportionately affects women, both men and women with HIV face an increased risk.)

A simple bone mineral density test, sometimes referred to as a DEXA scan, can identify bone health issues. This screening is recommended for all women over the age of 65 and all men over the age of 70. If you have HIV, you may need earlier and/or more frequent screening. Consult with your doctor about recommended frequency.

Aging brings a risk of cognitive decline for anyone, regardless of health history. HIV has been linked to a faster decline in cognitive function. Though older individuals with HIV were once thought to have an elevated risk of dementia, the evolution of ART has helped lessen this possibility. However, a milder form of cognitive impairment called HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) remains a health concern for older those with HIV.

Regular health exams should include screening for signs of cognitive issues including changes related to thinking or memory.

Loneliness and social isolation — factors in the development of physical health issues like dementia as well as mental health disorders — are more common among older adults. Older individuals with HIV should be even more proactive about monitoring mental health, as living with HIV at any age is linked to depression.

Make sure your doctor screens you regularly for depression and other mental health issues. If you have symptoms, ask about potential treatment options or a referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist. You may also want to explore additional resources such as virtual or in-person support groups for older adults with HIV.

Navigate HIV treatment with Alto by your side

Our pharmacists have deep expertise in HIV treatment and prevention and can help you get started with antiretroviral therapy. We will coordinate with your doctor and your insurance provider, if applicable, to ensure that you’re receiving the best option for your needs at the best price. To learn more, reach out any time via text or phone at 1-800-874-5881, or in-app messaging.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Each October, American Pharmacist Month is an opportunity to not only celebrate the dedication of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, but also to shine a light on all that they do.

National Pharmacists Month Spotlight: Gabrielle Kaplan

The average American visits a pharmacy 35 times a year, and the availability of pharmacists has the potential to address many gaps within healthcare, like access to the underutilized HIV prevention medication PrEP.

Many people who could benefit from the medication are unable to get a prescription from their primary care provider, whether it’s because they live too far from the doctor’s office or aren’t comfortable speaking about their sexual health. There's growing recognition that expanding the role of pharmacists in HIV prevention can help increase PrEP usage.

At Alto, we’re committed to maximizing the possibilities of pharmacy care. Not only do we divide our pharmacy roles into fulfillment and patient advocacy — we have numerous specializations under the umbrella of patient advocacy that allow our pharmacists to be part of the solution to precisely these healthcare challenges.

As part of our coverage of American Pharmacist Month, we spoke with Gabrielle Kaplan, a specialty patient care pharmacist who makes HIV prevention medication and treatment for complex chronic conditions more manageable for patients.

I’m a patient care pharmacist in our specialty department. We oversee medications that aren’t as common and which often have more side effects — or more serious side effects — including HIV medications, PrEP for HIV prevention, and injectable medications used to treat chronic conditions like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and high cholesterol.

The side effects associated with these medications can keep people from continuing with them. Since there’s a team of us whose sole focus is serving the patients who take these medications, they don’t just stop treatment. And they don’t have to worry about reaching out to us — we proactively check in. If anything is bothering them, we’ll take the initiative to call their provider and discuss their concerns.

What motivated you to focus on specialty pharmacy, specifically HIV treatment and prevention?

I was very interested in learning more about HIV treatment back in pharmacy school since a family member had passed away from it. The medications available today have drastically transformed what a diagnosis even means. I was excited by the possibilities, and it was always on my radar as a potential interest for the future. Working at Alto is the first time that I’ve been able to completely immerse myself in this specialization.

It’s a rapidly evolving area of both medicine and pharmacy, and there continues to be so much opportunity for pharmacists to take on a bigger role. In my state of Colorado, pharmacists can prescribe the HIV prevention medications PrEP and PEP. At Alto, we’re always discussing these updates and trying to expand the scope of what we offer patients and how we support their treatment.

What challenges have you encountered as a pharmacist?

By far the biggest pain point I experienced in retail pharmacy was staffing and having the number of pharmacists needed to execute all the day’s tasks while still providing great patient care.

Everyone working in a pharmacy is doing their very best, but there’s only so much we can do in an allotted time. It’s a disservice to patients and to those who work in the field — trying to balance the demands with your own mental well-being becomes nearly impossible.How do Alto’s pharmacy specializations make a difference for you and your patients?

Having a specific focus on patient care allows us to actually deliver quality patient care. At retail pharmacies where one pharmacist is doing it all, you’re trying to fill a prescription while on the phone and with someone yelling at you from across the room.

With fulfillment and patient advocacy separated at Alto, we are each able to focus on what’s in front of us at any given moment. For me, that means I can give patients my full and undivided attention and spend as much time with them as possible.

We have such a great team and plenty of support, so there’s no need to worry about other people’s tasks. We can each do the jobs that we’ve been specifically trained and are uniquely equipped to do.

What else is unique about Alto’s model?

The digital model makes it so that geography is less of an obstacle to care, and that each patient in our service areas has access to all of our resources. This is particularly relevant to my division of specialty pharmacy.

Many traditional retail pharmacies don’t have a specialty pharmacy in every physical location. Sometimes the specialty pharmacy is one centralized location from which everything is mailed. That means you won’t necessarily have a pharmacist in your local store who’s familiar with your medications and able to counsel you.

The medication used to treat or prevent HIV is complex, and it can be difficult to stay on track with treatment. The fact that any Alto customer taking these medications can talk to a pharmacist with deep expertise in that area of pharmacy makes a world of difference.

As a pharmacist, what does “care” mean to you?

It means always putting patients first — thinking about the care you would want a family member or friend to receive and delivering just that.

This is part of a series of pharmacist profiles to recognize American Pharmacist Month 2022. To keep the Pharmacist Month celebrations going, meet patient care pharmacist Travis Allison.

A child’s diabetes care needs don’t stop during the school day, and starting a new school year or returning to the classroom after a diagnosis can be overwhelming for students and parents alike. Advanced planning and coordination with school staff can ease the transition and ensure that your child has everything they need to stay safe and healthy while at school. Below, we highlight the most important steps to take.

Managing Your Child’s Diabetes at School

To ensure effective management of your child’s diabetes during the school day, school staff should be informed of your child’s treatment plan as well as what to do in the event of a hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia emergency. There are two important plans to finalize and share with the school.

A diabetes medical management plan (DMMP) is the foundation of your child’s care regimen at school. It translates your endocrinologist’s recommendations into actionable items for your child’s school nurse, teacher, and other school staff members who are responsible for students.

A DMMP should cover every aspect of your child’s diabetes management, including the following. The American Diabetes Association has a detailed DMMP template that you can use as a starting point.

Insulin therapy needs, including the delivery device and timing of dosages and whether to contact you to adjust a dose

Important considerations for physical activities

Diabetes care needs — and the amount of support a child needs with them — evolve with time. Include information about your child’s self-care skills in your plan, clarifying specifically what support will be required from staff. Each school year, revisit your child’s DMMP with your endocrinologist and make updates if needed.

As you finalize your child’s treatment plan and your DMMP, consult with your endocrinologist about your insulin delivery device options. Many children find it convenient to use an insulin pump while at school, given the ease of use and automated timing of injections.

Insulin pens, which combine insulin and a syringe into a single device, also allow for faster and easier administration than syringes. (Some types of insulin pens are covered under pharmacy benefits — Alto may be able to help your child get started with these devices.)

You may also want to explore a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device for your child’s blood glucose monitoring needs. In contrast to traditional blood glucose meters (BGMs), which provide a single blood glucose reading by pricking a finger, CGMs automatically collect glucose readings regularly throughout the day. They can identify patterns that aren’t as easily captured by a traditional BGM and eliminate the need to step away for blood sugar readings. (Some CGMs give you the option of adding “followers,” so that you can alert your child’s provider and the school nurse to a potential emergency.)

504 Plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP)

After your DMMP has been finalized, the next step is to draft a 504 plan or individualized education program (IEP). This plan takes all of the information about your child’s care needs from the DMMP and documents the school’s specific responsibilities.

If the school nurse will typically oversee your child’s care, a 504 plan should address who will step in if the nurse is unavailable. Account for after-school activities and events and field trips as well.

Share any relevant information with your child. For example, make sure they know who to go to for help with blood sugar testing or if they experience symptoms of low blood sugar.

This plan should be revisited each year and shared with anyone who will be responsible for your child during the school day or at school events. View the ADA’s template for a 504 plan.

Many staff members are integral to a child’s diabetes management during the school day: the school nurse, your child’s teacher, and administration, as well as the sponsors of extracurricular activities and nutrition service staff. Their knowledge of diabetes and level of comfort overseeing care may vary. In addition to distributing the DMMP and 504, consider asking your healthcare professional to lead a special training for key staff members.

Have one-on-one conversations as needed to get any information about school policies that impact your child’s diabetes. Here are some topics to cover with specific staff members.

Make sure that you, your child, and your child’s teacher are on the same page about each other’s needs. Ask about classroom rules and guidelines, such as what a student needs to do in order to leave the room — is it necessary to ask permission each time? Let the teacher know more about your child’s specific signs of hypoglycemia, as these vary by individual.

Many children with diabetes find it helpful to bring lunch to school, for carbohydrate counting purposes. If your child will eat meals in the cafeteria, request information about the menu and dietary guidelines from a member of the nutrition services team.

Participating in physical activities is both beneficial to your child’s diabetes management and important for their social life. Share any relevant information with the physical education instructor or another staff member to ensure that your child can safely participate.

Make sure your child’s school has all diabetes essentials on hand, including the following:

Blood glucose meter and extra batteries (include these as a backup even if your child uses a CGM)

Insulin and syringes or pens (include these as a backup even if your child uses a pump)

In addition, be sure that the school has the supplies needed to treat hypoglycemia in an emergency. Ideally, there will be one emergency kit in the nurse’s office and another in the classroom. Label it with your child’s name and include the following:

During your conversations with school staff, discuss a system for keeping track of supplies and notifying you when low.

Lastly, your child should wear a medical ID necklace or bracelet to school every day. This will ensure that they receive prompt and correct treatment in the event of an emergency.

A partner in your child’s diabetes care

Navigating your child’s diabetes diagnosis is easier with a reliable pharmacy partner. At Alto, we’re committed to making it as simple as possible to manage diabetes, with free same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app. And our dedicated diabetes support team is here to ensure that you have all the information you need to follow the treatment plan your child’s doctor recommends.

Reach out any time by phone at 1-800-874-5881 or secure in-app messaging.

Recognizing and Treating Anxiety, The Most Common Mental Health Disorder

Some degree of anxiety is natural. In fact, it can even be beneficial in certain contexts, like pre-interview butterflies. Other times, however, anxiety can become so debilitating that it interferes with daily life. Frequent and intense feelings of nervousness may be indicative of an underlying mental health disorder.

Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health disorder in the U.S., affecting more than 40 million adults, or about 19%. It is also estimated that 7% of children and adolescents between the ages of 3-17 struggle with symptoms of anxiety.

Over the past few years, as Covid-19 brings much upheaval and change, the number of Americans suffering from anxiety disorders and depression continues to increase. As a result, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is now recommending that all adults under the age of 65 be screened for anxiety. 

For many of those with an anxiety disorder, treatment — in the form of medication, psychotherapy, or both — is necessary to manage symptoms and maintain an active and fulfilling life. Below, we explain more about some of the most common treatment options.

Many factors can contribute to anxiety, including genetics, environment, behaviors, and situations. Common causes and risk factors include:

Having another mental health disorder such as depression

Genetics - having a relative with an anxiety disorder is considered a risk factor

Certain personality traits such as shyness

Individual experiences of anxiety can vary, so your anxiety symptoms may be different from those of a friend or family member with the condition. Anxiety can cause physical sensations like butterflies in your stomach or a racing heart. It can also bring an overall feeling of fear or unwanted thoughts.

Digestive issues, stomach pain, or nausea

Thoughts or flashbacks of a traumatic experience

Anxiety disorders are highly treatable with medication and therapy. (A combination of both is necessary for many people with an anxiety disorder.) While it can be difficult to share your feelings with a healthcare provider, it’s an important first step in managing symptoms.

These are some indications that you may benefit from treatment for anxiety:

Anxiety, fear, or worry has interfered with work and relationships

You find it difficult to control your anxiety, fear, or worry

You are concerned about your use of alcohol or other substances

There are many options for medication to treat anxiety. Some are used on a short-term basis or as needed while others are taken daily in the long term. Your provider will make recommendations based on your specific symptoms.

Though it can be frustrating, finding the right medication for your anxiety symptoms can take some trial and error.

There are several types of medications commonly used to treat anxiety disorders.

Benzodiazepines are sedatives that induce a feeling of calm. They amplify the effects of certain chemicals that act as a messenger between brain cells.

Benzodiazepines commonly prescribed for anxiety include:

These medications are typically used for short-term treatment of acute symptoms and may be prescribed on an as-needed basis. They often cause side effects like drowsiness and difficulty with balance and memory.

While benzodiazepines are effective, they have the potential for dependence and misuse. As a controlled substance under the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s guidelines, there are tight regulations for prescribing and dispensing benzodiazepines.

Benzodiazepines are not safe to abruptly discontinue. If you have been taking a benzodiazepine for longer than two weeks, speak with your doctor about slowly tapering off to avoid withdrawal symptoms and lower the risk of seizure.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase a person’s levels of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that affects mood. Increased serotonin levels can alleviate symptoms of anxiety. These medications are considered a frontline treatment option for anxiety disorders and are also used to treat depression.

SSRIs commonly prescribed for anxiety include:

While SSRIs are very effective for many people with anxiety, it typically takes several weeks to experience their benefits. Even if you don't feel like the medication is working, continue to take it as prescribed so that you can achieve a therapeutic level. If you still have concerns several weeks into treatment, speak with your doctor.

Always consult your doctor before stopping an SSRI. It is not recommended to frequently start and stop SSRIs, and they should not be taken on an as-needed basis.

SSRIs have been linked to the following side effects, though they are mild in the majority of cases. Speak with your doctor about any concerns.

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) increase levels of serotonin — just like SSRIs — but they also increase norepinephrine, which boosts energy and focus. These medications may increase your energy levels in addition to alleviating symptoms of anxiety.

SNRIs commonly prescribed for anxiety include:

Venlafaxine extended-release (Effexor® XR)

There are additional medications used to treat anxiety that do not belong to the medication classes above.

The antihistamine hydroxyzine (Atarax®, Vistaril®) blocks histamine and boosts the effects of serotonin. As the only antihistamine that offers this effect, it is the only antihistamine used to treat anxiety. This is typically an option for those who experience side effects with SSRIs or SNRIs, or who have concerns about the addictive potential of benzodiazepines.

Buspirone (Buspar®) is another alternative to SSRIs and SNRIs. While it isn’t entirely understood how buspirone works, the medication likely activates certain areas of the brain to make serotonin more active.

Each person metabolizes medications differently. Open communication with your provider can help identify the medication that works best for you. Your doctor should know:

Any other medications you are prescribed and their dosages

Your experience of anxiety symptoms after taking the prescribed medication — do you feel like it’s working?

Medication for anxiety disorders is often combined with psychotherapy, which helps you understand and manage your emotional and behavioral responses to sources of anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered one of the most effective types of therapy for anxiety disorders. It helps you recognize the underlying thoughts and behaviors that fuel uncomfortable or debilitating emotions. Shifting your thoughts and behaviors then alleviates symptoms of anxiety.

Finding the right therapist can take time. If you have insurance coverage of therapy sessions, check your insurance company’s provider network as a starting point. You can also look through reputable online databases like Psychology Today or the American Psychological Association (APA)’s psychologist locator. Some therapists offer sliding scale fees to make sessions more affordable.

Maintaining good mental health is easier with a reliable pharmacy on your side. Our pharmacists can answer any questions you may have about your medications, and we offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app.

To learn more, reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

Allergies, the immune system’s response to foreign substances, can take numerous forms, from hay fever and allergic asthma to food allergies, medication allergies, and more. For those with allergic contact dermatitis — also referred to as allergic eczema — contact with an allergen causes skin inflammation and a rash.

Common Treatments for Allergic Rashes

While allergic contact dermatitis can be uncomfortable, painful, or itchy, a healthcare provider can help you identify the underlying trigger and manage symptoms. Read on for more about the condition.

Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when exposure to an allergen causes a skin rash. The condition can take different forms, and skin may appear red, swollen, blistering, flaky, or scaling. Many people experience pain or itchiness. There may also be a burning or stinging sensation. 

Common allergens that trigger allergic contact dermatitis include:

Poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and other plants

Certain metals used to make jewelry such as nickel

Certain medications including antibiotics

Preservatives used in cosmetic products and household products

Symptoms typically take 24-48 hours to develop, though they may appear within minutes or hours of exposure in some cases. You may be more susceptible to the condition if you have sensitive skin or chronic skin issues that aren’t caused by allergies.

It takes time to develop an allergy, and you likely will not have a reaction to an allergen after a single exposure. Many people become more sensitive to an allergen with each subsequent exposure.

If you develop contact dermatitis several times and are unsure of the trigger, keep a diary of potential factors to identify the allergen.

In rare cases, allergic contact dermatitis overlaps with anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction that swells the airways and blocks breathing. This reaction may occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen.

The signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

Respiratory symptoms including wheezing and a persistent cough

In addition, anaphylaxis is frequently accompanied by hypotension, or low blood pressure, defined as blood pressure under 90/60 mm/Hg or a 30% reduction from your baseline blood pressure.

Anaphylaxis must be treated with epinephrine, a hormone and medication used in emergency treatment. Many people with severe allergies carry injectable epinephrine in a pen. If you experience anaphylaxis and do not have epinephrine, go to an emergency room as soon as possible. If you do not have someone to accompany you to the emergency room, call 911 first.

Allergic contact dermatitis vs irritant contact dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is one of two main types of contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis is a rash that develops quickly in response to a chemical substance, or irritant, including harsh soaps and detergents, hair dyes, certain household products, and acids. 

Symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis are similar to those of allergic contact dermatitis, however the reaction forms more quickly and is often more painful than itchy.

If it is possible to avoid an allergen or irritant, you may be able to identify the trigger of your contact dermatitis and prevent a reaction. If this is not possible, additional steps are often required for an official diagnosis.

If your doctor believes that you may have allergic contact dermatitis, patch testing may be used to identify the underlying cause. During a patch test, you’ll wear adhesive patches containing common allergens known to trigger reactions. Your provider will check your skin after 48 hours and again after an additional 48-96 hours to check for a reaction.

If your doctor is unable to confirm a diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis after patch testing, they may order a biopsy — a procedure that removes a small sample of your skin — to determine if another condition is responsible for symptoms.

There is not a similar test to diagnose irritant contact dermatitis, but a doctor may be able to identify the triggering irritant based on the chemicals you regularly come into contact with.

Read When to See a Healthcare Specialist for Allergy Treatment

A variety of treatment options may be used to help you manage allergic or irritant contact dermatitis. Individual treatment plans depend on the severity of symptoms.

As a first step, wash irritated skin with mild soap and water after exposure to an allergen to remove traces of it. In mild cases, this may be sufficient to address symptoms.

If symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Moisturizing creams to hydrate and repair irritated skin

Over-the-counter corticosteroid-based creams to ease itching and inflammation

Colloidal oatmeal-based products to ease itching and inflammation

Calamine lotion to ease itching and discomfort

Over-the-counter oral antihistamines such as Benadryl® or Zyrtec®

Oral steroids such as prednisone to relieve symptoms that don’t respond to over-the-counter medication

Additional immunosuppressive medications including JAK inhibitors — which block immune responses to prevent inflammation — and off-label systemic medications including cyclosporine and methotrexate may be used in severe cases that require multiple rounds of oral steroids.

With effective treatment, symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis are typically resolved within two to three weeks. However, to prevent future reactions, it’s important to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms so that you can avoid it.

Managing allergic rashes is easier with a reliable pharmacy partner by your side. Our pharmacists can answer any questions you may have about treatment, and we offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app.

The HIV prevention medication PrEP — short for pre-exposure prophylaxis — has played a critical role in reducing the number of new HIV infections in recent years. It is highly effective when taken as prescribed every day, lowering the risk of sexual transmission and intravenous drug transmission by 99% and 74%, respectively.

What to Know About PrEP Follow-Up Appointments and Testing

Staying on track with PrEP treatment includes not only taking the medication as prescribed, but also regularly attending all follow-up appointments and completing recommended lab tests. Here’s an overview of ongoing medical care related to PrEP.

Note that PrEP is distinct from PEP — post-exposure prophylaxis — a prevention medication for emergencies and accidental exposures. Learn more about PEP.

If you think PrEP may be right for you, make an appointment with your doctor or other healthcare provider as a first step. (Check with your provider about the possibility of telehealth appointments, if interested.) They can write you a prescription for PrEP and conduct an HIV test, which is required to begin taking the medication.

If you do not have a provider or are unable to get a prescription from your doctor, the following resources can connect you with a provider who will prescribe PrEP for you:

There are several FDA-approved oral medication options — Truvada®, Descovy®,  and a generic for Truvada — and as of December 2021, PrEP is now available as an injectable treatment option called cabotegravir (Apretude®).

For those who find it difficult to remember to take a pill every day, the injectable form may make it easier to stay on track with PrEP treatment. However, oral PrEP continues to offer highly effective prevention for anyone at risk of HIV infection.

Always consult with a doctor if you are interested in switching from one form of PrEP to another.

What is the typical schedule of medical appointments when taking PrEP?

Work with your provider to determine the frequency of your follow-up appointments. A typical schedule often consists of the following:

First follow-up appointment between 2-4 weeks

Ongoing follow-up appointments every three months

What happens at the initial intake appointment?

If you are interested in getting started with PrEP, the first appointment will include an overview of PrEP as well as HIV testing and other lab work. If you qualify for PrEP and can commit to start taking the medication as prescribed, your doctor can write a prescription right away.

The baseline lab work includes the following:

An HIV test, to confirm that you do not have HIV at the beginning of your PrEP treatment

Testing to screen for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis

A blood test to measure kidney function (for those prescribed oral PrEP medications)

A blood test to measure cholesterol and triglyceride levels (for those prescribed oral PrEP medications)

What happens at the first follow-up appointment?

Your provider will have you come in for a follow-up appointment between 2-4 weeks. This appointment is an opportunity to discuss your experience with the medication so far, including side effects. It’s also a good time to share any other concerns, such as financial difficulties or medication adherence. Your provider will likely be able to refer you to resources.

What happens at ongoing follow-up appointments?

If you are taking oral PrEP, you will have follow-up appointments every three months. At these appointments, your doctor will:

Conduct an HIV test and assess you for symptoms of acute HIV infection to confirm that you still do not have HIV.

Provide a prescription or refill authorization of daily oral PrEP medication for no more than 90 days.

Discuss any challenges with medication adherence and answer any questions you may have.

Blog

HIV and Aging: What to Know

National Pharmacists Month Spotlight: Gabrielle Kaplan

Managing Your Child’s Diabetes at School

Recognizing and Treating Anxiety, The Most Common Mental Health Disorder

Common Treatments for Allergic Rashes

What to Know About PrEP Follow-Up Appointments and Testing

How to Manage an Overactive or Underactive Thyroid

A Guide to Traveling During Fertility Treatment

What to Know About Arthritis in Children

Treatment and Prevention of Asthma Attacks

Psoriasis, Explained

Endometriosis: A Leading and Treatable Cause of Female Infertility

Switch to a better pharmacy.