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Antiviral medications have fueled many medical breakthroughs since they were first introduced in the 1960s to treat viruses. Not only are they currently helping to reduce severe cases of covid-19 and related hospitalizations, they have also made HIV a manageable chronic condition — and that’s only to name a few examples of the role they play in healthcare.

How Do Antiviral Medications Work?

Antiviral medications have fueled many medical breakthroughs since they were first introduced in the 1960s to treat viruses. Not only are they currently helping to reduce severe cases of Covid-19 and related hospitalizations, they have also made HIV a manageable chronic condition — and that’s only to name a few examples of the role they play in healthcare.

Take a look at how these medications treat and prevent viruses like Covid, the flu, HIV, hepatitis, and more. 

A virus is a germ that causes an illness. It cannot survive on its own. In order to replicate and spread, it must infect healthy cells in your body.

Well-known diseases caused by viruses include:

Viruses are distinct from bacteria. While antibiotics are highly effective at ending infections caused by bacteria, they cannot work on viruses. This is why the creation of antivirals was such an important medical advancement.

Antiviral medications help your body fight a virus by disrupting the infectious agent’s replication process. They function differently depending on which virus they’re targeting. When used to treat the flu or Covid, for instance, they can reduce the severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of the infection.

When treating chronic illnesses like HIV or herpes, antivirals cannot permanently end the infection. Rather, they lower the amount of the virus in your body — also referred to as your viral load — to control symptoms and prevent transmission.

When taken as prescribed every day, the antivirals used to treat HIV can help those with the condition maintain an undetectable viral load. This stops the progression of the illness and virtually eliminates the risk of transmitting it to others.

While they are not a substitute for vaccines, antivirals can also be used as a preventative measure against some viruses, as explained in more detail below.

The majority of antivirals are oral medications, but they can also be taken as an injection, intravenously, topically, or even as eye drops or an inhalant.

Many antivirals can safely be used by children as well as pregnant and breastfeeding individuals. Guidelines vary by medication. Consult with your provider about whether a specific antiviral is an option for you.

The duration and starting point of antiviral treatment varies by virus.

Tamiflu® and Paxlovid®, which treat the flu and Covid, respectively, are typically prescribed for several days. In some cases, it’s necessary to take them for a week or more.

These medications are most effective if taken within two days of infection. However, it may still be beneficial to take them after two days, especially if you are at risk for complications.

The following factors may increase your risk of complications from the flu and/or Covid.

Respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Weakened immunity from illness or medications

Age - adults 65 and older and children under two are most vulnerable

The antivirals used to treat the Ebola virus — Inmazeb® and Ebanga® — are administered as a single intravenous infusion.

When used to treat chronic conditions such as HIV, hepatitis B or C, or herpes, antivirals must be taken on an ongoing basis, even in the absence of symptoms.

If you have received a diagnosis of a chronic condition caused by a virus, it’s important to begin treatment as quickly as possible to protect your health and others.

Some antiviral medications can protect against viral infections after potential exposure. PEP, or post exposure prophylaxis, is a medication taken within 72 hours of potential exposure to HIV to lower a person’s chances of contracting the virus. There are other medications that work similarly after potential exposure to the flu.

Antivirals may also be prescribed for individuals with HIV during pregnancy to prevent transmission from mother to baby. The baby will also likely receive antiviral treatment after it is born.

While some antivirals can prevent a person from getting infected by a virus after potential exposure, they are not a substitute for vaccines, which offer ongoing protection against viruses. 

Additionally, while other antivirals reduce the severity of symptoms, vaccines are even more of a safeguard against virus-related health complications, as they prevent the initial infection altogether.

Check with your doctor about which vaccines you need. For detailed vaccine recommendations by age group, reference the CDC’s recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents and adults.

Managing any chronic condition is easier with a reliable pharmacy partner by your side. Our pharmacists have deep expertise in HIV treatment and prevention and can help you get started and stay on track with antiretroviral therapy as well as the preventative medication PrEP.

We will coordinate with your healthcare and insurance providers to ensure that you’re receiving the best option for your needs at the best price. Our pharmacists are also available to chat whenever questions come up about side effects or how to take your medication properly.

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

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.

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.

Take a look at how antiviral medications treat and prevent viruses like covid, the flu, HIV, hepatitis, and more. Read on here.

Hyperlipidemia refers to high blood levels of two types of lipids: cholesterol and triglycerides. While high cholesterol is the most common type, hyperlipidemia also includes hypertriglyceridemia — in which triglyceride levels are too high — and mixed hyperlipidemia, in which both cholesterol and triglyceride levels are high.

Hyperlipidemia, Explained

Untreated hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for coronary artery disease, and those with the condition may face a greater risk for heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. Fortunately, all forms of hyperlipidemia can be managed with lifestyle changes and/or medications.

Below, we explain more about the causes and risk factors for hyperlipidemia and how to manage the condition.

Hyperlipidemia occurs when a person’s levels of triglycerides, LDL cholesterol (aka “bad cholesterol”), or both are too high. Both triglycerides and cholesterol are types of lipids, or fatty acids, that move through your blood.

Neither cholesterol nor triglycerides are inherently bad. In fact, your body needs them, and each serves a distinct purpose:

Cholesterol builds cells and some hormones

In high amounts, however, LDL cholesterol and/or triglycerides cause plaque to gradually accumulate inside of your blood vessels. Over time, this makes it increasingly difficult for blood to move through your body. By depriving the heart and brain of nutrients and oxygen, this can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Other complications of hyperlipidemia include:

Hyperlipidemia can develop as the result of genetics, lifestyle factors, other health conditions, and medications.

If you have been prescribed any of the above medications, speak with your doctor about the balance of benefits and risks.

Hyperlipidemia is typically not accompanied by any visible symptoms, so it’s important to stay on track with regular screening.

A lipid profile, or lipid panel, is a simple blood test that measures your levels of:

HDL cholesterol (aka “good cholesterol”)

LDL cholesterol (aka “bad cholesterol”)

The exact definition of “healthy” cholesterol and triglyceride levels depends on a variety of health factors and may vary by individual. Below are general guidelines, however it’s important to work with your doctor to determine your target range.

A healthy range for total cholesterol is typically considered to be less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)

A healthy range for HDL cholesterol is typically considered to be higher than 40 mg/dL for men and higher than 50 mg/dL for women

A healthy range for LDL cholesterol is typically considered to be less than 100 mg/dL

A healthy range for triglycerides is typically considered to be less than 150 mg/dL

If your cholesterol and triglycerides are in what your doctor considers to be a healthy range, the recommended frequency for screening is usually every 4-6 years. If you are at a higher risk for heart health issues, you may need more frequent screenings.

In most cases, a doctor will recommend lifestyle changes as the starting point of treatment for hyperlipidemia.

Diet is one of two main sources of cholesterol — the other being your liver — so revisiting your dietary choices is a simple way to rebalance cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels.

Aim to reduce your consumption of saturated fats such as red meat and full-fat dairy products, which increase blood levels of LDL cholesterol. Avoid trans fats such as baked goods, fast food, vegetable shortening, and margarine as much as possible.

Healthy foods to load up on include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts.

Exercise is another component of managing hyperlipidemia — and of practicing an overall heart-healthy lifestyle. The American Heart Association suggests 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, or about 30 minutes of moderate to intense exercise each day.

If you are just beginning to develop your workout routine, remember that the important thing is to start somewhere, and you can always work your way up to more intense exercise.

If you have unhealthy cholesterol or triglyceride levels, smoking further increases your risk of heart health issues. If you currently smoke, ask your doctor for smoking cessation resources. If you don’t smoke, try to limit your exposure to secondhand smoke.

Medication may be prescribed to improve cholesterol or triglyceride levels if lifestyle changes aren’t sufficient.

The following types of medications are commonly used to lower cholesterol:

Statins such as atorvastatin (Lipitor®) and fluvastatin (Lescol®) act on the liver to prevent cholesterol from forming. They are the most common cholesterol-lowering medication.

The cholesterol absorption inhibitor Ezetimibe (Zetia®) is the most commonly used non-statin cholesterol medication.

ACL inhibitors such as bempedoic acid (Nexletol®) are often taken in combination with statins to further lower cholesterol in individuals with heart disease. These medications target a certain enzyme to block production of cholesterol in the liver.

For a closer look at cholesterol-lowering medication options, read How to Manage High Cholesterol: Diet, Medications, and More.

The following types of medications are commonly used to lower triglyceride levels:

Fibrates such as Gemfibrozil (Lopid®) and Fenofibrate (Antara®, Lofibra®, Tricor®, and Triglide™) - these typically aren’t recommended for those with severe kidney or liver disease

Niacin, a B vitamin that reduces the liver’s production of blood fats

Prescription-strength fish oil formulations such as Lovaza®

At Alto, we make it as simple as possible to stay on top of your cholesterol-lowering medications. We will work with your doctor, your insurance (if applicable), and any third party savings programs that you may qualify for to ensure your medications are as affordable as possible. And our team of pharmacists is available to chat whenever questions come up about side effects or how to take your medication properly.

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

A healthy pregnancy begins well in advance of trying to conceive. Preconception health planning sets you up to feel your best while growing a baby, allowing you to work towards health goals and manage preexisting conditions that could potentially result in complications.

How to Have the Healthiest Pregnancy Possible

It can also help you make any necessary changes to your treatment plan — for example, if you take a medication that is considered unsafe during pregnancy, your doctor can help you safely transition to an alternative.

Below, we break down some of the most important steps to take as you focus on your health and wellness while building or growing your family.

1. Consult your doctor about your health history

As you begin to plan for a baby, schedule a doctor’s appointment to identify any health issues that can impact pregnancy — whether it’s your first, second, third, or fourth.

While chronic health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disease, and asthma are sometimes linked to pregnancy complications, you can prevent health challenges during pregnancy by staying proactive about treatment. For those with diabetes, this means working with your provider to maintain healthy blood sugar levels before trying to conceive. The same goes for hypertension and blood pressure levels.

Read Navigating Pregnancy With Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

Be sure to discuss any past pregnancy complications, if relevant. Experiencing certain complications in a first pregnancy can increase your risk of having them again in a later pregnancy. These complications include:

This does not mean that a recurrence is inevitable. Proactively managing your risk before and during pregnancy is the most important thing you can do to prevent these complications.

You should also share any health issues that you experienced during postpartum, including mental health challenges.

Changing a medication regimen or treatment plan

A pre-pregnancy care checkup is also an opportunity to discuss potential changes to your treatment plan. Bring all medications you are currently taking with you to this appointment, including vitamins and herbal remedies.

Never stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting your doctor. Many medications cannot be abruptly discontinued and require you to slowly titrate, or taper off, over a period of time

It is recommended to focus on preconception health at least three months prior to pregnancy. However, everyone has unique health needs, and you may need more time to prepare for a healthy pregnancy. Try, as much as possible, to be patient and give your body the time and space it needs.

2. Get all recommended vaccines and screenings

At the beginning of your family building journey, ask your doctor which vaccines are recommended for your age. Certain infections or illnesses can cause birth defects or pregnancy complications. Many of these can be prevented with vaccines. And since illness-fighting antibodies can pass through the placenta, vaccinated individuals can pass along immunity to their growing baby in the womb.

It’s important to stay up to date since the recommended timing of vaccines varies. Not all can be given during pregnancy while others can. Your doctor can clarify which vaccines are recommended before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and after delivery. (Two of the most important vaccines for pregnant women, the flu vaccine and the Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), can be safely administered during pregnancy.)

Additionally, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, HPV, and viral hepatitis can cause pregnancy complications and harm a developing fetus. Fortunately, treatment can prevent transmission to a baby. Screening for these infections is a critical step in planning for a healthy pregnancy.

3. Take steps to live your healthiest life

In the months before trying to conceive, revisit your health habits and make any changes to your routine or lifestyle that can support the healthiest pregnancy possible. There are several key areas to focus on.

Several nutrients are especially important to consume in the months before pregnancy. 

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day for at least a month before pregnancy through the first trimester. This important nutrient supports a baby’s growth and development and can prevent certain birth defects.

Depending on your health history and previous pregnancies, your provider may advise you to increase your intake of folic acid with an additional supplement.

(You can add prenatal vitamins to your next Alto delivery!)

Calcium helps build a developing fetus’s bones and teeth. Dairy products including milk, cheese, and yogurt are the primary sources of calcium, but you can also get this nutrient from other sources including:

If you are concerned about your calcium intake, ask your doctor about calcium supplements.

Iron also helps support a healthy pregnancy. Some prenatal vitamins include iron. It can also be found in the following iron-rich foods:

In addition, be sure to eat foods that support your body’s absorption of iron, including the following fruits and veggies, which are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene:

If you have anemia, your doctor may recommend additional iron supplements.

An omega-3 fatty acid called DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is important for fetal growth and development. It can be found in some foods such as fatty fish. Depending on your diet, your doctor may recommend taking supplemental DHA before and during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Some prenatal vitamins contain DHA, but not all, so be sure to check the ingredient list.

Since heavy caffeine consumption can affect fertility, it is recommended to reduce your intake to 200-300 mg per day.

Aim for about 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, incorporating some muscle-strengthening exercises.

Being underweight or overweight can cause health issues during pregnancy. Try to reach and maintain a healthy weight in the months before trying to conceive. Your provider is an important resource and can advise you on whether your weight may impact your pregnancy.

Smoking, drinking alcohol, and using certain drugs — including misusing prescription medication — can cause serious health issues during pregnancy like preterm birth and birth defects. When planning for a future pregnancy, do not be afraid to ask for any support needed to give up harmful behaviors. Your provider can offer resources. 

It’s also important to avoid secondhand smoke during pregnancy.

Genetics are a factor in your baby’s health and the progression of your pregnancy. Prior to pregnancy, discuss your family’s health history as well as your partner’s with your provider. This allows them to identify any genetic risk factors.

Some couples and individuals may be referred to a genetic specialist for reasons such as the following:

A family history of a genetic condition, birth defect, chromosomal disorder, or cancer

Two or more pregnancy losses or a stillbirth

Having given birth to a child with a genetic condition, birth defect, or intellectual disability

These risk factors do not guarantee that your baby will develop a health condition or that you will have a complicated pregnancy. Genetic testing can determine the likelihood of passing on a genetic issue to a child. A genetic specialist can help you understand your options for testing.

5. Prioritize your partner’s health as well

Preconception health concerns both parents. Male partners should also take steps to become as healthy as possible, which will improve their own reproductive health and fertility. This includes limiting their alcohol intake, quitting smoking or using harmful substances, and eating a healthy diet. (These lifestyle factors have been linked to issues with sperm production.)

Other important steps for male partners to take before trying to conceive include getting screened for STIs and consulting with a provider about family health history and medication use.

Alto Pharmacy can support you in preparing for a healthy pregnancy, however that looks for you. From delivering prenatal vitamins straight to your doorstep, supporting you in managing a chronic condition, or helping you navigate fertility treatment, we make it as simple as possible to focus on your health.

We offer free, same-day delivery and in-app medication management tools like reminders and auto refills. Additionally, our pharmacists are available to answer any questions you may have about medications or side effects.

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.

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.

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?

Blog

How Do Antiviral Medications Work?

Hyperlipidemia, Explained

How to Have the Healthiest Pregnancy Possible

HIV and Aging: What to Know

National Pharmacists Month Spotlight: Gabrielle Kaplan

What to Know About PrEP Follow-Up Appointments and Testing

The Evolution of HIV Medication

Resources for Affording HIV Medication

Next Steps After an HIV Diagnosis

The Science Behind Vaccines

All About HIV: Stages, Symptoms and Treatment

How to Take Action for World AIDS Day 2021

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