PrEP in Los Angeles
Medication that prevents HIV, as a daily pill or a shot. Start in person or virtual.
Four ways to take PrEP
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medication that prevents HIV, as a daily pill or a long-acting shot. Start at our Los Angeles location or virtual anywhere in California, with the required labs done on site. Your provider helps you pick the one that fits.
| Option |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Daily pill | Daily pill | Shot | Shot |
| How often | Every day | Every day | Every 2 months | Every 6 months |
| Where you get it | Your pharmacy | Your pharmacy | Our location, one shot in the glute | Our location, two small shots in the inner thighs |
| Getting started | Same-day starts available | Same-day starts available | Two shots, a month apart | Two shots, plus tablets on days 1 and 2 |
| Visits and labs | Every 3 months | Every 3 months | At your shot: months 1 and 2 back to back, then every 2 months | Every 3 months |
| Full label | Prescribing Information | Prescribing Information | Prescribing Information | Prescribing Information |
Important safety information
PrEP requires a prescription after a visit and an HIV test. Truvada, Descovy, Apretude and Yeztugo each carry a boxed warning: they can lead to drug resistance if used by someone who already has HIV that hasn't been diagnosed, which is why you're tested before starting and regularly after. Truvada and Descovy also warn that hepatitis B can flare if you stop taking them. See the full Prescribing Information: Truvada, Descovy, Apretude, Yeztugo.
See the full Prescribing Information, including boxed warnings, at the bottom of this page.
From first visit to staying on PrEP
First visit
About 30 minutes on your sexual health and which PrEP option fits.
Labs
An HIV test and other labs. PrEP starts after a negative HIV test.
Start treatment
Pills go to your pharmacy. Shots reach our location in about a week, and we book your visit.
Follow-ups
HIV and STI testing every 3 months. On Apretude, labs at each shot.
Cost
How PrEP is covered
PrEP is preventive care, so most plans cover your lab work and medication in full. Your visits use your plan’s usual share.
Who bills for what4 items · your visit and what comes afterYour visit and what comes after
How PrEP at Haven is different
In person or virtual
At our Wilshire location, or virtual anywhere in California.
Online-only: virtual only.
STI testing and treatment in one place
Tested at your visit, with a full syphilis panel. Treated here if needed.
Online-only: often at-home kits, and treatment may be elsewhere.
More than PrEP
Primary care in the same visit.
Online-only: PrEP and sexual health only.
Jake Collins, PA-C
He/him/his
Jake is a physician assistant focused on LGBTQ+ health, HIV prevention and gender-affirming care. He sees patients in Los Angeles and virtually.
Book with JakeCommon questions
Can I start PrEP the same day?
Often, yes. Same-day starts are available on the pill, and new PrEP appointments are usually available within 3 days.
I already take PrEP. Can I switch to Haven?
Yes. Share your recent labs and current prescription in your intake questions, and your provider will continue your care.
How often do I need to come in?
PrEP needs labs every 3 months. Your follow-up visits can be virtual anywhere in California, with labs at our location or a lab partner location near you.
What if I've already been exposed to HIV?
PrEP is for before an exposure. If it's been less than 72 hours, you may need PEP, which has to start as soon as possible. Call or text us right away.
Think you were exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours?
You may need PEP instead, a different medication that has to start within 72 hours of a possible exposure. Call us at (213) 415-2214 right away, or go to urgent care if we're closed.
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