HIV Testing & Treatment
Confidential HIV testing In Charlotte
Walk-in Clinic For HIV Testing
Friendly and fast HIV testing clinic off Park Rd by Selwyn Ave. in South Charlotte
Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP For Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a way for people who do not have HIV, but who are at substantial risk of getting it to reduce their risk of contracting HIV infection by taking a pill every day. The pill (brand name Truvada) contains two medicines (tenofovir and emtricitabine) that are used in combination with other medicines to treat HIV. When someone is exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use, these medicines can work to keep the virus from establishing a permanent infection.
Some Important Reminders:
- When taken every day, PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are at high risk up to 92%. PrEP is much less effective if it is not taken consistently.
- PrEP is a powerful HIV prevention tool and can be combined with condoms and other prevention methods to provide even greater protection than when used alone.
- People who use PrEP must commit to taking the drug every day and seeing their health care provider for follow-up every 3 months and 1 month after initiating PrEP.
- PrEP is not a substitute for the use of condoms; they should be used together in the prevention of HIV transmission
- PrEP should be continued for at least 4 weeks after any potential exposure to HIV
- Tips for remembering your daily pill: buy a pill box, set a same time daily reminder on your phone and computer. Have your partner (if applicable) hold you accountable to taking the medication.
- Avoid the use of NSAIDs ( ibuprofen, Advil®, Motrin® , Aleve®, Naproxen) while taking PrEP
- Follow up immediately if you develop unexplained fever, body aches and malaise
- Time to protection: Wait approximately 10 days after starting PrEP before anal sex and approximately 20 days after starting PrEP before vaginal sex. Be sure to use condoms.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) For Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) means taking antiretroviral medicines (ART) after being potentially exposed to HIV to prevent becoming infected. PEP should be used only in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after a recent possible exposure to HIV. If you’re prescribed PEP, you’ll need to take it once or twice daily for 30 days. PEP is effective in preventing HIV when administered correctly, but not 100%.
- You will need lab testing initially, at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and again @ 4 months from your potential your initial visit
- You the patient will be responsible to follow up for evaluation and lab work at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and again @ 4 months from your initial visit
- Please follow up immediately if you develop fever, rash, change in skin color, abdominal pain, body aches, change in urination, uncontrolled nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or swelling
- Avoid NSAIDs ( ex. Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Naproxen ) while on any HIV prophylactic medication.
- Do not use alcohol in excess while on any HIV prophylactic medication
For financial assistance in purchasing PrEP go to:
Where can I get medical help on the weekend?
Do I need an appointment? No appointment necessary.
What kind of Medical Services Do You offer?
Carolina Express Clinic is the most recognized provider of health services near Myer Parks for people who have a bad cough or flu. Maybe you have a strain or a sprain, like a sprained ankle or a twisted knee. Do you think you might have pink eye? Do you need stitches or need stitches removed?
Carolina Express Clinic can take care of all of these health concerns. Minor burns can get infected, so come in right away if you have a minor burn. You can get a cheap physical, DOT physical, sports physical, or administrative physical. Not sure what kind of doctor to see for a urinary tract infection? Our certified Nurse Practitioners and Physician assistants can prescribe medication to treat urinary tract infections. If you have an ear ache or simply need ear wax removal, visit us.
We can help you with health management such as cholesterol, hypertension, and weight loss. We give vaccinations & mandatory school immunization schedules. We conduct sports physicals for high school & sports waivers. We also perform routine health screenings & travel consultations for those visiting other countries.
Are you embarrassed about acne? Are you embarrassed about oral sores or other embarrassing problems? We can help.
If you’re not sure what kind of doctor you should call, our clinic can help you find the right doctor for your needs.
