How long does PrEP last? PrEP lasts as long as you continue taking it as prescribed. Oral PrEP provides protection only while drug levels are maintained, so you need to take one pill daily, or follow 2-1-1 on-demand dosing if that strategy is appropriate for you and prescribed. If you stop daily pills, protection fades over the next days to weeks, as described earlier. Injectable PrEP Apretude protects for about 2 months per injection, with first two injections one month apart, then every 2 months ongoing. There is no defined maximum duration for how long you can stay on PrEP, many people take it for years. It remains effective as long as adherence is good, kidney function and other labs remain normal, and HIV tests stay negative. You can continue through periods of higher risk and discuss stopping with a clinician when risk is lower for an extended time. Regular follow-up includes HIV testing every 3 months, kidney labs, STI screening, and discussion of side effects and adherence. If you want to pause or stop, your provider can help create a plan to do so safely.
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