INDICATION & LIMITATION OF USE
DESCOVY® for HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is indicated in at-risk adults and adolescents (≥35 kg) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 infection, excluding individuals at risk from receptive vaginal sex. HIV-1–negative status must be confirmed immediately prior to initiation.
Limitation of Use: DESCOVY FOR PrEP® is not indicated in individuals at risk of HIV-1 from receptive vaginal sex because effectiveness in this population has not been evaluated.
Please see below for Important Safety Information for DESCOVY.
National guidelines for PrEP medications
Recommendations from IAS-USA, CDC, DHHS, and USPSTF
IAS–USA
International Antiviral Society–USA
The IAS—USA recommends discussing PrEP with all sexually active adolescents and adults, and encourages populations with disproportionately high HIV incidence rates to consider PrEP as part of their HIV prevention plans.1
CDC
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The CDC recommends that all sexually active adults and adolescents should be informed about PrEP for prevention of HIV.2
DHHS
US Department of Health and Human Services
The HIV National Strategic Plan includes PrEP medication as one of the key prevention strategies toward its goal for ending the HIV epidemic in the United States by 2030.3
USPSTF
US Preventive Services Task Force
The USPSTF issued a Grade A recommendation for PrEP medication for people who have an increased likelihood of HIV acquisition.4
How it may benefit individuals who are prescribed PrEP:
As a result of the USPSTF Grade A recommendation, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires most plans* to cover medically appropriate PrEP medications, such as DESCOVY FOR PrEP®, and ancillary services, with no out-of-pocket costs.4
Help encourage appropriate coverage of HIV prevention care for individuals
If you become aware of an insurance plan that may not be acting in accordance with ACA requirements, there are measures you can take to help encourage appropriate coverage.
Raise awareness
Educate people who may benefit from PrEP medication that many health plans should provide coverage and zero co-pay or coinsurance for medically appropriate PrEP medications and ancillary services. Encourage individuals to contact their health plans for more information to understand their coverage.
Take action
If the individuals you see experience repeated coverage issues with the same health plan, advise them that they may contact their state insurance commissioner to advocate for no cost sharing when appropriate. PleasePrEPMe.org can also provide informational resources aimed at helping appropriate individuals overcome medication access challenges.
When prescribing a PrEP medication, consider clinical guidelines and recommendations from various health organizations.
*The ACA applies to all nongrandfathered private plans and Medicaid expansion plans.
BMD=bone mineral density; HBV=hepatitis B virus; HCV=hepatitis C virus; STI=sexually transmitted infection.
