PrEP
What is PrEP?
PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a pill taken once a day that is 99% effective at preventing the transmission of HIV. This medication requires a prescription.
Only 1%–10% of people on PrEP experience side effects, which usually disappear on their own after one to two weeks of treatment.
It is approved in Canada in two available forms: TRUVADA® (emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil) and DESCOVY® (emtricitabine + tenofovir alafenamide).
How does it work?
Taking this drug prevents the virus from infecting other cells and spreading throughout the body in the event of an exposure.
Is PrEP right for me?
PrEP is for you if you are HIV-negative, seeking extra protection against HIV*, and are at high risk of contracting it. Although the decision to be on PrEP should be made between you and your healthcare provider, you can complete the following questionnaire made by Prelib.com to assess your eligibility for PrEP.
In short
PrEP may be right for you if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
PrEP is covered by RAMQ and group and private insurance plans. In most cases, you will still need to pay a certain amount to obtain it.
*Note that PrEP is a complementary strategy for preventing the contraction of HIV. It is therefore recommended to also use barrier methods of protection, such as condoms, and to use only sterile equipment for recreational drug use, tattooing, and piercing. It should also be kept in mind that PrEP does not protect against other STBBIs.
How do I take PrEP?
Two dosage options are available:
1. Continuous intake:
2. Intermittent intake (also called “on demand”)
The decision to be on PrEP is between you and your healthcare provider. PrEP also requires regular follow-ups with your doctor to renew your prescription and assess possible side effects. If you have any questions, please contact us.
*+/- 2 hours
How much does PrEP cost?
Contact us if you have any questions about PrEP, its costs, and financing options. At our pharmacy, your pharmacist will help you navigate your insurance plan and financial assistance options to get PrEP at the lowest possible cost.
Do you have access to a private insurance plan?
A financial assistance program is available for the PrEP medication DESCOVY® (emtricitabine + tenofovir alafenamide) for people with private insurance, but for whom PrEP remains expensive. This program can make it possible to obtain PreP without having to pay out of pocket. Contact us for more details.
Note that PrEP is free in Montreal for certain groups:
Need a cost estimate? You can complete our questionnaire to assess how much PrEP could cost for you. Our Questionnaire is currently undergoing maintenance and should be back online soon.
How do I get a prescription?
With our own PrEP Clinic!
We are proud to offer an all-in-one PrEP (HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis) service, available for consultation in person or remotely by telephone. Our pharmacists, specialized in LGBTQ+ health, guarantee sensitive, individualized and confidential support. What’s more, we offer free express delivery anywhere in Quebec, to facilitate access to this preventive treatment.
During your consultation, your pharmacist will conduct a full assessment of your eligibility for PrEP. He or she will discuss the options available, inform you about appropriate treatment options, and guide you through the insurance reimbursement process. The pharmacist will also schedule regular follow-ups to ensure treatment efficacy and safety, and guide you through the necessary screenings and follow-ups.
Take advantage of our personalized service to get fast, easy and confidential access to PrEP, and benefit from ongoing support throughout your journey.
To find out more or schedule a consultation, contact us today!
Click here to visit our Clic Santé page and take an appointment!
With your doctor
From your doctor who also agrees to provide the necessary monitoring and follow-up. All doctors can provide a PrEP prescription and follow-up, but unfortunately, not all doctors are comfortable doing so.
With a specialized clinic
Several clinics offer consultation services for PrEP. Here are some clinics specializing in sexual health in Montreal:
To get PrEP, you will need to have an assessment based on your needs and sexual practices to determine if you are eligible for PrEP. To find out if PrEP is right for you, complete this short questionnaire. You will also have to do a health check and confirm that you do not have an HIV infection, in which case you will have to start taking antiretroviral drugs instead.
Once you have your PrEP prescription, you will need to make regular follow-up appointments (once every 3 months) to renew your prescription, discuss your experience with the medication, and get tested for STBBIs.
What do I do when my prescription is about to expire?
Several prescriptions for medications that need to be taken on a regular basis can be extended by your pharmacist. This will give you enough time to get a follow-up appointment with your doctor. Given that PrEP requires close monitoring due to health and safety concerns, certain situations can prevent us from extending your prescription.
However, it is possible for us to do so for an additional month under the following conditions:
Contact us to see whether you are eligible for an extension, even if your initial prescription was not at our pharmacy.
Can I receive my PrEP directly at home?
We offer free express shipping services. You will receive your medication in less than 24 hours in Montreal, and in less than 48 hours almost everywhere else in Quebec.
If your PrEP prescription is already at our pharmacy, simply go to the Order my medications section of this website.
If you have a PrEP prescription and would like to use our fast order and shipping service, you can:
The information on this website is presented for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subjects covered or to replace the advice of a healthcare professional. This information does not constitute medical consultations, diagnoses, or opinions, and should therefore not be interpreted as such. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your medical condition, medications, or treatment.
