Do you ever scratch your head and wonder why a little miracle pill that can prevent HIV up to 99% isn’t flying off the shelves? Well, the answer is that while it’s pretty easy to take a pill every day, it’s even easier not to take one. And while it’s not for everyone, it’s always good to be open-minded, amiright?

Girl, we’ve heard all the excuses in the book. We’re here to crack some of these myths, get down to the real talk, and throw out these excuses. After all, should we really be making excuses when it comes to stopping the spread of HIV?

Excuse: I’m not sure I want to wait that long for it to kick in.

Akeem’s Answer:
There are multiple ways to take PrEP that isn’t a daily pill and still is shown to be effective. Maybe 2-1-1 PrEP on demand is better for you. However, starting PrEP is the fastest way to have it kick in and protect you. Not starting it is the slowest way for it to kick in because it won’t ever. Decide how you want to take it and what you want it to do for you. Besides, this short wait can prevent a lifetime of changes due to a new diagnosis.

Excuse: It will make me gain weight.

Akeem’s Answer:
Truvada has not been shown to cause weight gain, although Descovy has. Choose Truvada if you can and if you can’t and have to use Descovy for PrEP, Descovy didn’t show significant weight gain in most people, Learning to manage a few extra pounds is easier than learning to manage a new diagnosis any day.

Excuse: I can’t afford it.

Akeem’s Answer:
Of course not. Most people can’t…without insurance or assistance programs like Gilead’s Advancing Access, which helps uninsured people get PrEP for free, depending on income or the PAPI program here in Ohio, which helps insured, underinsured and uninsured people get PrEP and pay for office visits, labs, and premium payments. Or a copay card. Or My Good Days for people with medicare. Other than all of that, nah, it’s not affordable.

Excuse: I’m not sure I can remember to take PrEP.

Deemyi’s Answer:
A helpful way to remember to take PrEP is setting an alarm on your phone. It’ll help remind you to take the pill around the same time every day. Or try setting your pills near an item you use daily like your toothbrush or keys so you can count on seeing the pills every day in the same spot.

Excuse: There are weird side effects.

Deemyi’s Answer:
With any drug, there can be various side effects. PrEP is FDA approved and safe. Many PrEP patients experience little to no symptoms. The most common symptom people have shared is nausea in the beginning. Once their body got used to the drug, the nausea went away. PrEP also requires labs every three months to make sure everything is going well with your body and you remain in good health.

Excuse: It a scam drummed up by drug companies.

Deemyi’s Answer:
I assure you, PrEP is most definitely not a scam. The drug works. It’s 99% effective when taken consistently every day. If the thought of big pharma leaves you skeptical, forget them and look at the bigger picture. PrEP helps prevent HIV and provides peace of mind.