Abstract
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a prescription medication that is proven safe and effective for the prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Despite its effectiveness, many individuals experience access barriers in PrEP prescribing and affordability. In 2022, 64% of individuals with a medical indication for PrEP did not receive a prescription, and a large number of persons likely to benefit from PrEP live in areas with no nearby PrEP provider. To improve access to PrEP, in 2019, California became the first state to allow pharmacists to prescribe PrEP, a move since followed by at least 16 other states across the U.S. To inform these ongoing efforts, this study assesses the availability of PrEP and the provision of pharmacist-prescribed services at retail pharmacies in Los Angeles (LA) County. LA is designated as an Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. (EHE) initiative priority county and accounts for the largest share of population in California with unmet need for PrEP.
The full article can be viewed at the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Guadamuz, J. & Qato, D., et al. (2025). Availability and Pharmacist-Prescribing of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention at Retail Pharmacies in Los Angeles County, 2023. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Volume 0, Issue 0, 108253.
