What is PrEP?

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PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis and is a prescription medication taken daily to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV. If taken consistently, it can reduce the risk from unprotected sex by up to 99%. It is generally well tolerated. Some people may experience headache, or stomach upset but it is usually mild and goes away. If you have unprotected sex and don't always know your partner's status, PrEP may be right for you.

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"On-Demand" PrEP is taking the medication only during a risk exposure. Two tablets are taken 2-24 hours just before sex and then 1 tablet daily for two days. The pharmacy recommends standard daily PrEP but On-Demand may be an option for some and there is evidence this provides some protection.

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We offer free delivery of PrEP anywhere in Ontario and always have it in-stock.

Set up free regular text reminders for your medication at https://thesexyouwant.ca/reminder/

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What is PrEP? video unitl 0:50 applies to Ontarians

What is PEP?

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PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis and is a prescription medication regimen taken following a high risk exposure to HIV (eg. condom breaks, sexual assault, unknown partner status). It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible as PEP needs to be taken within 72 hours of exposure - the sooner the better. We always have PEP in-stock.

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We have after hours PEP access. Press "2" when you hear the answering machine to be connected to us and a pharmacist will open the store to dispense the medication (until midnight). You can also email andrew@expressaidpharmacy.ca

Is It Free?

PrEP and PEP are covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit Program. If you are 24 and under without private insurance and have an Ontario health card they are free. The medications are also covered for seniors 65+, those on disability, or Ontario Works.

If you have private insurance your plan may cover them as well. Call us, email us, or come by the store to check your coverage and answer any other questions you may have.

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Last year, PrEP became available as a generic medication and the price was greatly reduced. If you do not have any insurance coverage you may be able to get some support from the Trillium program in Ontario. Our team can assist you with this process.

How Do I Get It?

We now have a weekly PrEP clinic at our 420 Leacock Drive and 47 Grove St E location! PrEP is only available by prescription and your family doctor can prescribe the medication or the doctor at our on-site PrEP clinic. Prior to starting PrEP a doctor will order bloodwork including tests for HIV and other STIs (sexually transmitted infections). They will have a regular follow up with you prior to each new prescription. If you do not have a family doctor and would like to see the on-site pharmacy doctor call us @ 705-725-6033.   

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If your doctor is not familiar with prescribing PrEP please provide them with our PrEP: Info for Prescribers document. We are also always available to answer any questions they might have. Canadian guidelines on prescribing PrEP and PEP are also available. For those requiring PEP it is recommended to go to their nearest emergency room for fast access.

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PrEP does not protect against other STIs such as syphilis or HPV. It is always best to also consider using condoms in conjunction and knowing your partner's status. Our pharmacy highly recommends being vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B (if you have not already), as well as the HPV vaccine. For more info please speak to our pharmacy team! 

PrEP Info for Prescribers

Canadian PrEP & PeP Guidelines

Why Our Pharmacies?

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• We are highly knowledgeable on PEP and PrEP. Our pharmacists take the time to provide thorough detailed counselling that you may not receive elsewhere for this specific medication. We are also an available resource for your doctor.
   

• We are a designated Safer Space and the team is respectful and understanding of the LGBTQ+ population
   

• We always carry PrEP and PEP at the pharmacy
   

• We offer after hours access to PEP and free delivery of PrEP and PEP across Ontario