PrEP-AP Formulary is the official list of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medications that are approved and covered by a specific PrEP Assistance Program (PrEP-AP).
Breaking it down
- PrEP: Medication taken by HIV-negative people to prevent HIV infection.
- AP (Assistance Program): A government- or organization-run program that helps cover the cost of PrEP meds and/or related services for eligible individuals.
- Formulary: The list of drugs the program agrees to pay for.
What the PrEP-AP Formulary typically includes
Depending on the country or region, it usually lists:
- Approved PrEP medications, such as:
- Truvada® (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)
- Generic FTC/TDF
- Descovy® (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) – often with restrictions
- In some programs, long-acting injectable PrEP (e.g., cabotegravir) if covered
- Coverage rules, such as:
- Who is eligible
- Prior authorization requirements
- Clinical criteria (e.g., risk factors, lab results)
- Pharmacy dispensing requirements
- Updates or exclusions when drugs are added or removed
Why it matters
- Determines which PrEP options patients can receive at low or no cost
- Guides clinicians and pharmacies on prescribing and dispensing
- Helps patients understand what is covered vs. out-of-pocket
Important note
There is no single universal PrEP-AP formulary. Each program (e.g., U.S. state PrEP-APs, national health services, or insurer-linked programs) maintains its own formulary, which can change over time.
