What is PEP? Where can I get PEP?

PEP is a form of emergency PEP isn’t available everywhere,

treatment taken after possible so search online to see if you
exposure to HIV, to prevent HIV infection. can get it near you.

PEP is different from PrEP. PEP is taken after PEP is only is available from

Emergency
exposure and is not for long-term use. healthcare clinics or doctors.

If your nearest clinic is closed

HIV treatment How do you take PEP?

(because it’s the weekend, for
example) you can often get PEP
from the emergency department
POST-EXPOSURE PEP is most effective at preventing HIV infection if of a hospital.
you take it within 24 hours of exposure. PEP can’t be
PROPHYLAXIS OR PEP taken more than 72 hours after exposure.

If you think there’s a chance you

Testing after PEP
!
If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV
might have been exposed to HIV,
within the last 72 hours you may be able to
don’t delay going to a healthcare It’s important to get tested after
get treatment to prevent HIV infection.
clinic. using PEP, to make sure the
treatment was successful.

PEP is taken for 4 weeks.

Test 3 months after potential
exposure, and again 6 months after.

PEP should be taken at the same

time everyday. You might also need…
Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) or other bloodborne viruses.
It’s important not to miss any Speak to your healthcare provider about these.
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doses or your treatment may
not work. Women might also need emergency contraception –
Help us empower people through knowledge speak to your doctor about the morning after pill or
by donating to www.avert.org/donate the coil. These can prevent pregnancy after sex.
Last review: June 2018
Next review: June 2021
Sources: It’s important to use condoms
www.avert.org/fact-sheet-sources
while you are taking PEP.
Is PEP right for me? PEP after occupational
PEP after sexual assault exposure
PEP is used after sexual exposure,
sharing needles or occupational PEP is often recommended after sexual assault.
If you’re taking PEP after being exposed at work,
exposure. Making a decision about PEP can be difficult, make sure that you let someone know about your
The most important thing is to especially after sexual assault. injury. This can help your workplace to implement
make sure you take PEP within Your healthcare provider will be able to give you better precautions for the future.
the 72-hour window. support and advice around this decision.
Remember:
A note on side-effects
PEP is not taken:
PEP is safe and not everyone will have side effects.
if you already have HIV Sexual assault is never your But some people may experience feeling:
fault.
to prevent pregnancy or other STIs
~ nausea
as a regular form of HIV prevention.
~ diarrhoea
You have the right to report
If you face a prolonged risk of HIV, for example if your the incident to the authorities ~ headaches
partner is living with HIV or if you regularly have sex if you want to.
without a condom, PrEP is a better choice for you.
If you experience side-effects
talk to your healthcare worker.

PEP during pregnancy You have the right to be

attended by a healthcare
It is important that you don’t
stop taking PEP, otherwise it may not work.
and breastfeeding worker or police officer who
is the same gender as you.
PEP can be taken during pregnancy
and breastfeeding, and reduces the
chance of HIV being passed on to
Everyone has the right to:
your baby. You have the right to seek Ask about PEP
emotional support.
However, some of the drugs used have confidential advice
for PEP aren’t appropriate for and support
pregnant or breastfeeding women.
refuse or stop taking PEP
Talk to your healthcare worker You don’t have to tell your
for more information. healthcare worker what
happened, unless you want to.