Current Pricing
Generic TDF/FTC is manufactured by Teva and other generic drug makers. The cash price at most pharmacies ranges from $30 to $60 per month with a discount card (like GoodRx). Without a discount card, retail prices can be higher — always use a coupon or ask the pharmacist for the lowest available price.
What You Pay by Situation
| Situation | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Any ACA-compliant insurance | $0 | PrEP is a covered preventive service |
| Medicaid | $0 | Covered in all expansion states |
| Medicare Part B | $0 | Covered since September 2024 |
| MISTR (any insurance status) | $0 | Medication + labs + consults included |
| Cash with GoodRx coupon | $30–60 | No prescription insurance needed |
| 340B pharmacy (FQHC) | $0–20 | Sliding scale based on income |
| Full retail (no discounts) | $100–200 | Avoidable — always use a coupon |
Why pay anything?
MISTR provides generic Truvada at $0 — medication, labs, consultations, and delivery included. Works with or without insurance.
ANDR735
Using this code at signup helps us achieve our mission of getting free PrEP out to all who need it.
Generic Truvada vs. Brand-Name Options
Generic TDF/FTC is the exact same active ingredients as brand-name Truvada, manufactured to FDA bioequivalence standards. It's equally effective for PrEP.
| Medication | Cash Price/Month | Insured Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generic TDF/FTC | $30–60 | $0 | Most affordable cash-pay option |
| Brand Truvada | $1,600–1,900 | $0 | No advantage over generic |
| Descovy (TAF/FTC) | $1,800–2,300 | $0 | Better kidney/bone profile |
If you have insurance, all three options should cost $0, so the choice comes down to clinical factors (discuss with your provider). If you're paying cash, generic TDF/FTC is the clear winner at roughly 1/40th the cost of Descovy.
Where to Get the Lowest Price
- MISTR: $0 total — medication, labs, everything. Start free at heymistr.com
- FQHCs with 340B pricing: Community health centers that participate in the 340B Drug Pricing Program can offer PrEP at deeply discounted or free rates. Find one near you.
- GoodRx or similar coupons: If you're filling at a retail pharmacy, always check GoodRx, RxSaver, or similar sites for the lowest cash price. Prices vary by pharmacy.
- Costco/Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs: Alternative pharmacies sometimes offer lower base prices on generics.
Free PrEP, no pharmacy trips
MISTR delivers generic PrEP to your door for $0. Free consultation, free labs, free medication, free shipping.
ANDR735
Using this code at signup helps us achieve our mission of getting free PrEP out to all who need it.
But You Still Need Labs and a Prescription
The medication is only part of the cost. PrEP also requires:
- An initial HIV test and kidney function test
- A prescription from a licensed provider
- Quarterly HIV testing and follow-up labs
Even if you find cheap generic Truvada, labs and provider visits can add $200–500+ per year without insurance. That's why a comprehensive option like MISTR (which includes everything at $0) or an FQHC (sliding-scale) is usually the most cost-effective total package.