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In English and Spanish. Last revised December 15, 2025.Download print versionWhat to know about PrEP
PrEP is medication you take before sex or sharing a needle to protect yourself from HIV. PrEP is for people of all genders and more than 99% effective against HIV when taken as directed.
PrEP comes in the form of a pill or a shot. You can take it even if you drink alcohol, use drugs, take hormones, or use birth control.
Your provider can help you with making the choice between pills or shots. Here are some questions to consider and help you decide:
- Which option works best for your schedule and routine?
- Can you take time off work if the shot makes you too sore?
- Does your health coverage cover injectable PrEP?
- Which clinics have injectable PrEP?
Four medications are FDA-approved for PrEP. Compare your options for PrEP below to decide which one is right for you.
Compare your options
PrEP as a pill
There are 2 pill forms of PrEP: Truvada and Descovy.
Truvada
Generic name: emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 200 mg / 300 mg (but many people just call it "generic Truvada")
Other names and abbreviations: F/TDF, TDF/FTC, emtricitabine and tenofovir DF
2 dosing options:
- 1 pill daily
- 2-1-1 pill schedule
- 2 pills 2 to 24 hours before sex
- 1 pill 24 hours after that
- 1 pill 24 hours after that
If more encounters, continue daily pills until 48 hours after last sex.
When it protects against HIV
When taking 1 pill daily, Truvada protects you when you:
- Have any type of sex
- Inject drugs
When using the 2-1-1 pill schedule, Truvada protects you when you:
- Use your penis or anus for sex
Using the 2-1-1 pill schedule, Truvada does not protect you when using your vagina/front-hole for sex, or when injecting drugs.
Possible side effects
- Gas, nausea, or headache
- Not advised for people with kidney or bone density issues
Cost and coverage
⭐⭐ Very low cost! ⭐⭐
- $0 copay with most insurance, including Medi-Cal
- If you have no insurance: generic price $15 to $40 per bottle of 30 pills.
Provider can help you apply to an assistance program. You pay $0 if you meet income limits.
What it looks like
Pill look varies.
Descovy
Generic name: emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide 200 mg / 25 mg
Other names and abbreviations: F/TAF, TAF/FTC, emtricitabine and tenofovir AF
Dosing
1 pill daily
When it protects against HIV
- Any type of sex
It is not yet known if it protects when injecting drugs.
Possible side effects
- Gas, nausea, or headache
- Weight gain
- Increase in cholesterol/triglycerides
Cost and coverage
Most insurance covers Descovy (including Medi-Cal)
Provider may need to work with your insurance to get approval. Copay and deductible savings coupons available at gileadcopay.com.
If you have no insurance:
Your provider can help you apply to an assistance program. You pay $0 if you meet income limits.
What it looks like
- Find images of Descovy pills. Look for the medication strength 200 mg / 25 mg.
PrEP as a shot
There are 2 forms of PrEP as a shot: cabotegravir and lenacapavir.
Cabotegravir: given every 2 months
Brand name: Apretude
Other names: CAB (pronounced "cab")
Dosing
- Shot in the gluteal (butt) muscle, every 2 months: 1 shot each time
- When starting: Get 2 shots given 1 month apart, then 1 shot every 2 months
When it protects against HIV
- Any type of sex
It is not yet known if it protects when injecting drugs.
Possible side effects
Injection site reactions: pain and soreness
Cost and coverage
Most insurance covers cabotegravir (including Medi-Cal)
Provider may need to work with your insurance to get approval. Copay and deductible savings coupons available at viivconnect.com.
If you have no insurance:
Your provider can help you apply to an assistance program. You pay $0 if you meet income limits.
What it looks like
Lenacapavir: given every 6 months
Brand name: Yeztugo
Other names: LEN (pronounced "len")
Dosing
- Shot in the fatty layer under the skin of the stomach or thigh, every 6 months: 2 shots each time
- When starting: You will also take 2 pills on day 1 and 2 pills on day 2
When it protects against HIV
- Any type of sex
It is not yet known if it protects when injecting drugs. This is currently being studied.
Possible side effects
Injection site reactions: lump (nodule), pain, and soreness
Cost and coverage
Most insurance covers lenacapavir (including Medi-Cal)
Provider may need to work with your insurance to get approval. Copay and deductible savings coupons available at gileadcopay.com.
If you have no insurance:
Your provider can help you apply to an assistance program. You pay $0 if you meet income limits.
What it looks like
Find PrEP in San Francisco
Get PrEP in pill or shot form at City Clinic. Or find more ways to get PrEP in SF.Find places to get PrEPAbout
San Francisco City Clinic is a trusted source for sexual health services and information, known for our experienced professionals and our commitment to delivering compassionate, high-quality care for over 100 years.
Our mission is to improve our community’s sexual health by preventing, diagnosing, and treating sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV, and preventing unintended pregnancy.
Find all City Clinic services and information
Information on this page last revised December 15, 2025
Contact information
Address
San Francisco, CA 94102
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
8:00 am to 3:30 pm
Tuesday
1:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Thursday
8:00 am to 11:00 am
1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
See the clinic's general hours.
We are closed weekends and holidays.
Phone
General information
sfccpatientservices@sfdph.org