Question 1

What is the Mount Sinai Health System and Wisp PrEP Partnership?

Accepted Answer

Mount Sinai Health System and Wisp have partnered to bring easily accessible PrEP medication to New York state residents. Together, we are making PrEP available from the comfort of home — combining at-home diagnostics with leading clinical care so individuals can get the prevention they need through a virtual experience at home.

Question 2

What is the Mount Sinai Health System?

Accepted Answer

Mount Sinai Health System is a leading academic medical center and research institution based in New York City, comprising seven hospitals, more than 400 outpatient practices, the Icahn School of Medicine, and a network of over 9,000 physicians dedicated to patient care, cutting-edge research, and medical education. Mount Sinai advances health for all people, everywhere, by taking on the most complex health care challenges of our time—discovering and applying new scientific learning and knowledge; developing safer, more effective treatments; educating the next generation of medical leaders and innovators; and supporting local communities by delivering high-quality care to all who need it.

Question 3

What is PrEP?

Accepted Answer

PrEP is a once-daily pill regimen that is 99% effective at preventing HIV from sex. There are several medications that can be prescribed, including: DESCOVY (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide): The most common adverse reactions (≥2%) in the DESCOVY for PrEP clinical trial were diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate): The most common side effects of Truvada when taken daily for HIV PrEP include headache, stomach-area (abdomen) pain, and decreased weight. WARNINGS: DESCOVY WARNING: POST-TREATMENT ACUTE EXACERBATION OF HEPATITIS B and RISK OF DRUG RESISTANCE WITH USE OF DESCOVY FOR HIV-1 PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS (PrEP) IN UNDIAGNOSED EARLY HIV-1 INFECTION See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Worsening of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV before or when you start treatment with Descovy. If you have HBV and take Descovy, your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking Descovy. Do not run out of Descovy. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your Descovy is all gone. Do not stop taking Descovy without first talking to your healthcare provider. Truvada WARNING: WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B and RISK OF DRUG RESISTANCE. See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B (HBV) have been reported in individuals with HBV who have discontinued Truvada. Hepatic function should be monitored closely in these individuals. If appropriate, anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted. Truvada used for HIV-1 PrEP must only be prescribed to individuals confirmed to be HIV-negative immediately prior to initiating and at least every 3 months during use. Drug-resistant HIV-1 variants have been identified following undetected acute HIV-1 infection. Do not initiate Truvada for HIV-1 PrEP if signs or symptoms of acute HIV-1 infection are present unless negative infection status is confirmed. Additional serious side effects associated with Truvada include: New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your provider will monitor kidney function with blood and urine tests before and during treatment. Bone problems, including bone pain, softening, or thinning, which may lead to fractures. Lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in the blood): a rare but serious condition. Symptoms include unusual fatigue, muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, or a fast/irregular heartbeat. Severe liver problems: symptoms include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, light-colored stools, or loss of appetite.

Question 4

Who is PrEP for?

Accepted Answer

PrEP is: For individuals who are sexually active and HIV negative, including men, transgender men, women, transgender women, and nonbinary individuals, however, not all PrEP medications can be used by cisgender women or transgender men. For individuals who are at increased risk, including those who ask for it Appropriate for long-term use, as indicated PrEP is not: A prevention method for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Used as secondary prevention (eg, if a condom breaks) PEP (postexposure prophylaxis), which is an emergency medication used within 72 hours after possible HIV exposure and given for a 28-day course For individuals who are living with HIV Wisp also does not currently treat or prescribe to pregnant patients at this time.

Question 5

How long does it take for PrEP to work?

Accepted Answer

DESCOVY and Truvada both reach maximum effectiveness after 7 days of daily use for receptive anal sex (bottoming). For receptive vaginal sex or injected drug use, both medications require approximately 21 days of daily use to reach maximum protection. The time to reach protection for insertive anal sex or insertive vaginal sex is not currently known. Missing doses of either medication increases the risk of HIV infection. Do not stop taking your PrEP medication without speaking to your healthcare provider first.

Question 6

What is DoxyPEP?

Accepted Answer

DoxyPEP stands for Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. Doxycycline is a type of antibiotic that is used to treat multiple types of bacterial infections (including STDs and STIs). “Post-exposure” refers to the period of time after the possibility of exposure to an STD (such as after a sexual encounter where condoms weren’t used). “Prophylaxis” is an action taken to prevent disease. If you’ve engaged in sexual activity and are concerned about your STI risk, you can take DoxyPEP within 72 hours to prevent common bacterial STIs from taking hold in your system. DoxyPEP can help prevent syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Remember: condoms, and other barrier methods like dental dams, are the most effective way to prevent STIs and STDs, including HIV. Ingredients: Doxycycline: 100mg Side Effects/Risks: Common side effects include: nausea and vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite, mild diarrhea, skin rash or itching, darkened skin color, and vaginal itching or discharge. Do not take with dairy, calcium, antacids, or isotretinoin. Speak with your provider if you are currently taking anticoagulants like Warfarin, penicillins, barbiturates, and antiepileptic medications like carbamazepine and phenytoin.

Question 7

Who is DoxyPEP for?

Accepted Answer

The CDC has endorsed DoxyPEP for preventing bacterial STIs as an STD prevention strategy. Current efficacy data on Doxy-PEP applies to gay, bisexual, MSM, and transgender women. Current research on DoxyPEP conducted with patients assigned female at birth is limited, but the medication is still available. It’s recommended to have baseline screening and follow up screening for bacterial STIs every 3–6 months at all sites of potential exposure. The FDA recommends periodic monitoring of liver and kidney function, as well as blood counts, during prolonged therapy with Doxycycline. If you are taking DoxyPEP frequently, it’s important to speak with your primary care provider for additional oversight and monitoring.

Question 8

How do I get PrEP?

Accepted Answer

You’ll need to fill out the intake form on this page – which starts the process. You’ll then complete your at-home tests. We will then have a clinician review your results, and if appropriate, PrEP will be prescribed and sent to your home (in discreet packaging). The whole process can be done in just about a week.

Question 9

What happens if I test positive for HIV?

Accepted Answer

If you test positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, or HIV, Wisp or its clinician affiliates will notify you and will also report the positive test result to your state or county health department per state regulations.

Question 10

Does Wisp take insurance?

Accepted Answer

Wisp does not currently take insurance for any services.

Free PrEP*

Everything is included - the consult, lab test plus medication.

How It Works

Complete the Intake Form

Get Tested + Consult

Results + Rx

Our PrEP Standards

>99% of patients pay $0 for PrEP with us

Most Insurance Accepted for PrEP

PrEP FAQs

PrEP Care Team

Wisp Company Reviews

Keep Reading

How Is HIV Transmitted?

Introduction to PrEP

Everything You Need to Know About DoxyPEP for STD Prevention

Vaginal Health

Herpes

Reproductive Health

Prevention

Weight Care

Wellness Essentials

STD Treatment & Prevention

Fertility

Complete Care