PrEP Questions?

• What is Nurx?

  Nurx offers virtual pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care. They provide PrEP prescriptions to you without having to go to the doctor’s office. Instead, a Nurx provider will review your medical information, send a lab kit to your home to be completed (or receive your labs from any lab of your choice), and if you are eligible, write a prescription for PrEP therapy all completely virtually.

• How much will my PrEP care cost with Nurx?

  If you choose to enroll in this program, all virtual visits, consultations, communications, and at-home labs* for HIV PrEP care through Nurx will be covered at no out-of-pocket cost to you. If you choose to use an in-person lab, you may be subject to out-of-pocket costs, at your normal covered rate. If you choose to opt out of the program, your visits, labs, and prescriptions will be covered at your normal plan rates. If you have questions regarding your current coverage, contact your health plan.

  *In NY and RI you may have to visit an in-person laboratory for your labs, and you may incur a cost at your normal plan rate.

• Where can I fill my prescriptions?

  You can continue to fill your PrEP prescription at the same network of pharmacies currently in your pharmacy benefit plan – there are no changes to the pharmacy network. If you have any questions about which pharmacies are in network, you can call CVS Caremark® Customer Care. The CVS Caremark Customer Care number is on the back of your CVS Caremark or medical insurance member ID card.

• Do I have to change my care provider to get my PrEP medications?

  Your health plan has elected the Nurx program, designed to ensure you have the most convenient, responsive, and supportive experience possible for your PrEP care. You can choose to see Nurx providers through this program for your PrEP care and prescriptions, or you can opt out and keep your current care provider. If you choose to keep your current care provider, you must take action to opt out of the program by calling 855-293-4113. If you do not opt out, your PrEP medications won’t be covered by your health plan and you’ll have to pay the entire cost.

• Who can I contact if I have questions about this program?

  If you have questions about your pharmacy coverage, you may call the CVS Caremark Customer Care number on the back of your CVS Caremark member ID card. For questions about Nurx or your HIV PrEP care, contact Nurx through their mobile app or call 855-293-4113.

• Can I get my PrEP lab tests done in person at a lab near me?

  Yes. If you’d prefer not to do home testing you are welcome to have your labs done at a local lab like LabCorp or Quest. Once you have submitted your request for PrEP, simply message us and tell us that you would like lab testing at LabCorp or Quest. Pricing at local labs is dependent on your insurance coverage. We recommend calling your insurance company in advance to confirm whether LabCorp or Quest is the in-network laboratory. If you are a resident of the state of NY or RI, you will need to have lab tests in person, due to state regulations.

• What are the side effects of PrEP?

  Many new PrEP users report little to no side effects, but symptoms such as headache, abdominal pain, and weight loss can happen. These side effects typically don’t last long and often go away entirely within the first month. If you’re experiencing prolonged side effects, please contact us.

• Is there a generic PrEP medication?

  Generic versions of the PrEP medication Truvada started to be available in September 2020. You should know that in order for a generic substitution to be made for a branded medication, the generic medication must be proven by the FDA to have the same active ingredient, dosage form, strength, and conditions of use as the name-brand drug. The generic version of Truvada containing Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil is bioequivalent, meaning it has the same effects in the body and works every bit as well. Because you may receive generic PrEP from different manufacturers at different times, in some cases the pills or packaging may look different. Do not worry — it is the exact same medication with a different look.

• What if I miss a dose of PrEP?

  If you miss a dose or skip a day, it’s ok! Take your pill as soon as you remember and continue with your daily schedule. Do not double dose, as you may feel nauseous or sick. Missing one dose won’t greatly affect your level of protection against HIV. However, if you are missing multiple days or are having trouble with taking a pill daily, let us know.

• How do I get PrEP through Nurx?

  Nurx is an easy, discreet, and judgement free way to access PrEP. How this works:

  • Request PrEP through our app or website
  • Answer a few basic questions about your health and sexual activity
  • Our PrEP navigators will ensure PrEP is as affordable as possible for you
  • Our Medical team will review your request and order your labs if PrEP looks like a healthy option for you

  Once you complete the necessary lab work (which you can do at home—we'll send you the kit), our medical team will review your results. If they determine that PrEP is right for you, your medication will be mailed to you in a discreet package.

• How do I know if I am at risk of contracting HIV?

  Generally, PrEP is for anyone at increased risk for contracting HIV, including anyone who is in an ongoing relationship with a person living with HIV, anyone who does not consistently use a condom, and anyone who shares injection drug or hormone equipment. Studies have shown that PrEP can be beneficial for people of various gender identities and sexual orientations.

• Still have more questions?

  Our team is available 7 days a week via messenger or by phone Monday-friday (9am-9pm EST) at 1-800-278-5378.