Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is PEP?

    • PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine that prevents HIV after a possible exposure.

    • This medication is for emergencies only.

    • PEP must be started within 72 hours (3 days) after exposure.

    • This is a 28-day treatment that involves taking two or three medications daily.

    • PEP works to stop HIV from reproducing in the body.

    Is PEP right for me?

    If you are HIV-negative or unsure of your status and answer ‘yes’ to any of the questions below, talk to your doctor or go to the emergency room for PEP immediately. 

    • Have you had condomless (raw) anal or vaginal sex within the past 72 hours with someone who is HIV-positive or whose HIV status you do not know?

    • Did a condom break during anal or vaginal sex within the past 72 hours with someone who is HIV-positive or whose HIV status you do not know?

    • Have you shared needles or any equipment used to prepare drugs (such as cotton, cookers, or water) within the past 72 hours with someone who is HIV-positive or whose HIV status you do not know?

    • Have you experienced a sexual assault in the past 72 hours?

    What else do I need to know about taking PEP?

    • PEP is designed for people who do not have HIV. An HIV test is required before starting treatment.

    • After completing the 28-day course, you will take another HIV test to confirm that the treatment was effective.

    • If you’ve needed PEP more than once, you may want to consider PrEP for ongoing protection.

    What are the side effects of PEP?

    • PEP is safe, though mild side effects (nausea, gas, bloating) can occur early in treatment.

    • These effects generally resolve within a week of taking the medication.

    • Taking PEP with food may help reduce stomach discomfort.​

    Is PEP covered by insurance?

    • PEP is covered by most health insurance plans and Medicaid.

    • If you’re uninsured or need help with costs, medication assistance programs may be able to provide PEP at no cost to you.

    Where can I get PEP in Los Angeles?

    • 986 Pharmacy in Huntington Park provides PEP to help you begin treatment within 72 hours of a potential HIV exposure.

    • For services outside our business hours, please go to your nearest emergency room or use the “additional resources” listed below.

    • If you believe you have been exposed, talk immediately to your doctor or call the LA County PEP warmline 1-844-YEA-PREP.

    • The PEP warmline will only be answered during regular business hours, so if you are concerned about a possible HIV exposure, go directly to your medical provider or the emergency room.

    How can I get PEP?

    • PEP can be prescribed by licensed pharmacists, medical doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.

    • In California, Senate Bill 159 allows pharmacists to provide PEP directly (without a visit to another medical provider) after completing required HIV testing and counseling.

    • Call us to learn more and get the support you need.

  • What is PrEP?

    • PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a preventive medication for people who do not have HIV but may be exposed through sex or injection-drug use.

    • It works by blocking the virus from taking hold and spreading in the body.

    • PrEP is available as a daily oral pill or as a long-acting injectable.

    Is PrEP right for me?

    You may be a good candidate for PrEP if you test HIV-negative (or are unsure of your status) and any of the following apply:

    • You’ve had anal or vaginal sex in the past six months with a partner living with HIV, have not consistently used condoms, or were diagnosed with an STD.

    • You inject drugs and share needles or equipment, or have a partner with HIV.

    • You have used PEP more than once before or want ongoing protection based on your current sexual or injection practices.

    You can still choose PrEP even if none of these apply. Our team or a healthcare provider can help you assess your risk and decide if PrEP is right for you.

    Oral PrEP vs. Injectable PrEP

    Oral PrEP:

    • Taken once daily.

    • Reaches maximum protection after about 7 days for receptive anal sex and about 21 days for receptive vaginal sex or injection-drug use.

    • Offers flexibility and control but requires daily adherence.

    Injectable PrEP:

    • Injectable PrEP is administered by a healthcare provider or pharmacist.

    • The dosing schedule includes two starter injections one month apart, followed by injections every two months.

    • A good option for people who prefer not to take a daily pill or who have difficulty with daily medication routines.

    • Requires scheduled clinical visits for injections.

    How effective is PrEP?

    • When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective at reducing the risk of getting HIV from sex or injection-drug use.

    • Oral PrEP requires consistent daily use.

    • Injectable PrEP offers longer-acting protection for those who maintain their injection schedule.

    What else do I need to know about taking PrEP?

    • Before starting PrEP, you must test HIV-negative.

    • Your provider may also test for other STIs and assess kidney or liver health.

    • While on PrEP, you will need regular HIV tests and follow-up appointments.

    • PrEP does not protect against other STIs or pregnancy, so additional prevention methods may still be important.

    • Missing doses or stopping PrEP decreases its effectiveness.

    What are the side effects of PrEP?

    • Most people tolerate PrEP well.

    • Some experience mild side effects (nausea, headache, stomach upset, or fatigue) especially early on.

    • These symptoms often improve over time.

    • Injectable PrEP may cause temporary reactions at the injection site, such as pain or redness.

    • Contact your provider if side effects are severe or persistent.

    Is PrEP covered by insurance?

    • Most private insurance plans and Medicaid cover PrEP.

    • Assistance programs are available for people who are uninsured or underinsured.

    • Coverage for injectable PrEP may vary, so check with your plan or pharmacy for details.

    How can I get PrEP?

    • Talk with your doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or pharmacist about whether PrEP is right for you.

    • Our pharmacy can help coordinate testing, counseling, and access to either oral or injectable PrEP.

    • We will guide you through the dosing schedule and follow-up requirements, especially if you choose injectable PrEP.

    Can PrEP be used with birth control?

    • Yes. PrEP is safe to use alongside hormonal contraceptives, and no drug interactions have been identified.

  • What is HIV?

    • HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that weakens the body’s immune system.

    • Without treatment, it can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

    • While there is no cure, effective treatment allows people with HIV to live long, healthy lives.

    How does HIV spread?

    • HIV is transmitted through certain body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk from a person who has HIV.

    • Common ways HIV is spread include unprotected anal or vaginal sex and sharing needles or other drug injection equipment.

    How common is HIV in the U.S.?

    • Around 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV.

    • Nearly 1 in 8 people with HIV don’t know they’re infected.

    • Anyone can get HIV, but some communities are more affected due to social, structural, and health factors.

    When should I get tested for HIV?

    Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime.

    Some people benefit from more frequent testing. You may need annual testing if any of the following apply to you:

    • You are a man who has sex with men.

    • You have had anal or vaginal sex with someone who has HIV.

    • You have had more than one sexual partner since your last HIV test.

    • You share needles, syringes, or other injection equipment (e.g. cookers).

    • You have exchanged sex for money or drugs.

    • You have been diagnosed with or treated for another STI, hepatitis, or tuberculosis.

    • You have had sex with someone who has done anything listed above or whose sexual history you do not know.

    If you’re unsure how often you should be tested, our team can help you decide based on your needs and circumstances.

    Can I get tested for HIV?

    • Yes. HIV testing is widely available and is the only way to know your status.

    • Early diagnosis helps people start treatment quickly, protect their health, and prevent HIV from being passed to others.

    • Testing is quick, easy, and could save your life.

    • Schedule an appointment with 986 Pharmacy, Huntington Park to get the support.

    Is my HIV test information confidential and private at 986 Pharmacy in Huntington Park?

    • Yes. Your privacy is extremely important to us.

    • All HIV testing information is kept strictly confidential, stored securely, and never shared without your permission.

    • Our systems and procedures follow all HIPAA requirements to ensure your health information remains safe and protected.

    • If you have questions about how your information is handled, our team is happy to walk you through it.

    What happens if I test positive for HIV?

    • A positive HIV test result means you should begin medical care as soon as possible.

    • Treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART) can keep the virus under control, protect your immune system, and reduce the chance of transmission.

    • Our team is here to help you understand your options and navigate the next steps.

    Can HIV be prevented?

    • Yes. HIV can be prevented by using condoms correctly, not sharing needles, and using preventive medications like PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) or PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).

    • These options significantly reduce the risk of acquiring HIV.

    What does “undetectable” mean?

    • People with HIV who take ART as prescribed can achieve an undetectable viral load.

    • When the virus is undetectable, it keeps the person healthy and means HIV cannot be sexually transmitted.

    • This is sometimes called “U = U,” or “undetectable equals untransmittable.”

    What do I do if I test negative but want to stay negative?

    • If you test negative, continue using prevention methods such as condoms and sterile needles.

    • If you think you’re at increased risk, talk to our team or your provider about PrEP.

    • Regular HIV testing is also recommended for people with ongoing risk.

    Where can I find HIV services in Los Angeles?

    • Los Angeles County offers a wide range of HIV testing, treatment, PrEP, PEP, and support services through local clinics, pharmacies, and community organizations.

    • At 986 Pharmacy in Huntington Park, we can help connect you with testing and prevention options.

    • Schedule an appointment or call us to get the support you need.

  • CDC – HIV Information

    Los Angeles County Department of Public Health – HIV/STD Services

    California Health Policy Research Center – Pharmacist-Delivered PrEP/PEP (Senate Bill 339)

    California Department of Public Health – PrEP Assistance Program Resources

    GetProtectedLA – HIV/STD Prevention and Services in Los Angeles

    • https://getprotectedla.com

    • Local directory for HIV testing, PrEP and PEP access, sexual health clinics, free condoms, and home test kit resources across L.A. County.

    Los Angeles County PEP Warmline

    • 1-844-YEA-PREP

    • Provides guidance and referrals for people who may have been exposed to HIV and need PEP quickly.

    National HIV/AIDS Hotline

    • 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)

    • General HIV information, testing locations, and prevention support available 24/7.

    LA County STD/HIV Info Line

    • 1-800-758-0880

    • Confidential local hotline for HIV/STD questions, clinic referrals, and support finding services in Los Angeles County.

    Trevor Project (LGBTQ Support & Crisis Intervention)

    • 1-866-488-7386

    • Crisis support and information for LGBTQ youth, including sexual health questions and navigating HIV-related concerns.