March 19, 2024 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

PrEP Now Available Without Prescription in CA

Access to HIV prevention medications got a little easier.

Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that would allow pharmacies to sell preventative drugs like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PeP) without prescriptions. 

“Recent breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment of HIV can literally save lives,” Newsom said in a statement. “All Californians deserve access to PrEP and PEP, two treatments that have transformed our fight against HIV and AIDS. I applaud the Legislature for taking action to expand access to these treatments and getting us close to ending HIV and AIDS for good.”

Senate Bill 150 was authored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Assemblyman Todd Gloria (D-San Diego). PrEP is a once-daily pill for HIV-negative people that reduces risk of infection by up to 99%, and PEP is a 28-day preventative course for people who may have been exposed to HIV. (Similarly, pharmacists are already authorized to furnish emergency contraceptives and the birth control pill without a prescription). Regarding PrEP, pharmacists will be able to provide a 60-day supply, after which the patient will need to see a physician to continue. The legislation also prohibits insurance companies from requiring patients to obtain prior authorization before using their insurance benefits to obtain PrEP or PEP.

PrEP Pills for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis to help protect people from HIV.

“To end new HIV infections, we must dramatically expand access to PrEP and PEP, yet far too many Californians who need these drugs struggle to access them. SB 159 will keep more Californians HIV-negative and help us end this epidemic. I applaud Governor Newsom for signing this first-in-the-nation legislation to remove barriers to these critical HIV-preventatives.”

Supporters of the bill said it removes barriers for people to take the drug, such as having to wait for a doctor’s appointment, which could take weeks. The California Health Benefit Review Program estimated that the bill would result in more than 700 people obtaining the HIV prevention drugs, leading to 25 fewer cases of new HIV transmissions in the first year of the law‘s implementation, according to the LA Times.

Related Posts

Nex Benedict’s Family Releases Statement on Medical Examiner’s Cause of Death

March 17, 2024

March 17, 2024

Family Shares Details from Autopsy Report to Prevent Misinformation Nex Benedict’s family has released a statement through their attorney regarding...

GLAAD Announces Recipients for 35th Annual Media Awards at Gala Ceremony in Beverly Hills

March 17, 2024

March 17, 2024

Oprah Winfrey, Niecy Nash-Betts Among Honorees; Ceremony to Stream on Hulu GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and...

Los Angeles Marathon 2024 Concludes: Annual Race Draws International Talent and Record Numbers

March 17, 2024

March 17, 2024

Top finishers from Kenya and Ethiopia lead the race, with U.S. representation among the leaders The 39th Annual Los Angeles...

FBI Seeks Victims of Alleged Online Exploitation Scheme Allegedly Run by Resident of Santa Monica

March 17, 2024

March 17, 2024

Individuals Urged to Come Forward in Investigation of John Douglas Burch The FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office is urging individuals to...

Venice Family Clinic Announces Inaugural HEART Gala to Celebrate Health and Art

March 15, 2024

March 15, 2024

Event Honors Creative Community and Supporters of Vital Health Care Services Venice Family Clinic, a non-profit community health center dedicated...

(Video) Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD Responds to News of Nex Benedict’s Cause of Death

March 15, 2024

March 15, 2024

Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD, responds to the release of the Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Ruling on Nex...

“Love Lies Bleeding” is Ripped: Actress Katy O’Brian Talks Love, Sex, and Vulnerability

March 15, 2024

March 15, 2024

Katy O’Brian is a Breakout Star Who Shines in Loving and Hilariously Violent Crime Film English film director Rose Glass’...

OUTLOUD Music Festival Returns for WeHo Pride, Releases Stunning Weekend Lineup

March 14, 2024

March 14, 2024

West Hollywood’s Celebration to Feature Headliners Kylie Minogue and Janelle Monáe The OUTLOUD Music Festival is set to make its...

Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Office Releases Cause of Nex Benedict’s Death

March 14, 2024

March 14, 2024

The Full Autopsy Report Will Be Released in Ten Days, Questions Remain The Oklahoma State Medical Examiner’s Office has released...

IRS Launches Direct File Pilot of Free Filing Tool for Taxpayers in California, 11 Other States

March 14, 2024

March 14, 2024

Free, Convenient Online Tax Filing Option Now Available for Eligible Individuals The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced the official launch...

Chef Roy Choi Brings Tacos Por Vida to LA With Soft Opening in Palms

March 13, 2024

March 13, 2024

The Lines Are Already Growing at This Newest Roy Choi Taco Stand Celebrated chef Roy Choi is celebrating the debut...

Countdown to the 2024 Los Angeles Marathon: Road Closures Ahead

March 12, 2024

March 12, 2024

Annual Marathon Comes with Saint Patrick’s Day Twist in 2024 Just three days from now, the 2024 Los Angeles Marathon...

A New Civil Lawsuit Against Roman Polanski Has Moved Forward to Trial

March 12, 2024

March 12, 2024

Director Faces Allegations From 1973, Santa Monica Judge Sets Date A trial date of August 4, 2025, has been set...

MICHELIN Guide Unveils 10 New Culinary Stars in California, Anticipating 2024 Selections

March 12, 2024

March 12, 2024

9 Los Angeles Area and Beverly Hills Restaurants Featured as New Additions The prestigious MICHELIN Guide has announced the addition...

Iconic Duo in Focus: Indigo Girls’ Documentary Gets Nationwide Theatrical Release

March 12, 2024

March 12, 2024

Oscilloscope Laboratories Brings “It’s Only Life After All” to Theaters on April 10th  Oscilloscope Laboratories is set to host a...