Imagine protecting yourself from HIV without having to remember a pill every single day. That’s exactly what Apretude offers.
For years, HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) has primarily been available as a daily pill. While daily PrEP is highly effective, sticking to a daily medication isn’t always easy. Life gets busy, routines change, and missed doses can happen.
That’s where Apretude comes in.
What Is Apretude?
Apretude is a long-acting injectable (LAI) PrEP medication that helps prevent HIV. Instead of taking a pill every day, you’ll receive one injection from a healthcare provider every 2 months, providing continuous protection between appointments.
At City Care Family Practice, we offer Apretude as a convenient option for patients looking for a simpler way to stay protected.
What to Expect
Receiving Apretude is straightforward. Before each injection, you’ll complete HIV testing along with other recommended STI screening. This ensures it’s safe to continue treatment and helps keep you healthy.
Once you’re cleared, you’ll receive your injection from one of our healthcare providers—and you’re protected for the next two months without needing a daily PrEP pill.
Is Apretude Right for You?
Apretude may be a great option if you:
- Prefer not to take a daily pill.
- Have a busy lifestyle and want a simpler routine.
- Sometimes forget to take medications.
- Have difficulty swallowing pills.
- Want a long-acting HIV prevention option that fits your life.
Everyone’s healthcare needs are different, and our team can help determine whether Apretude is the best choice for you.
Getting Started with Apretude
Starting Apretude involves a few important steps, but don’t worry—we’ll guide you through the process.
Once you and your healthcare provider decide that Apretude is the right option for you, our team will begin coordinating your treatment.
First, we’ll submit your information for a benefits verification to determine your insurance coverage for Apretude. If your medication is approved, your provider will send an electronic prescription to a specialty pharmacy.
The specialty pharmacy will then contact you to confirm your information and arrange for your Apretude kit to be shipped directly to City Care Family Practice. Before the medication can be shipped, the pharmacy may also need to speak with your provider to verify the prescription.
Once your Apretude kit arrives at our office, we’ll contact you to schedule your injection.
Because Apretude is administered every two months, this process is repeated before each dose. To help keep your injections on schedule, it’s important to answer calls from both the specialty pharmacy and our office. Missing these calls can delay your medication shipment and, ultimately, your next injection.
And one more thing—once your medication arrives, we’re holding it here just for you, so we’ll be looking forward to seeing you for your appointment!
Remember: Protection Works Best Together
While Apretude is highly effective at reducing the risk of HIV when used as prescribed, it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Practicing safer sex—including using condoms when appropriate and getting regular STI testing—remains an important part of protecting your overall sexual health.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re interested in a long-acting alternative to daily PrEP, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation at City Care Family Practice to discuss whether Apretude is right for you. Our team will answer your questions, review your health history, and help you choose the HIV prevention option that best fits your lifestyle.
Author: Harry O’Shea, PA-C
Harry O’Shea, PA-C is a Certified Physician Assistant at City Care Family Practice. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Vermont and completed his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Sullivan University, graduating summa cum laude. In his free time, Harry enjoys exploring the culinary scene, from local food carts to fine dining restaurants, in search of new favorite meals.