What is  PEP?

• Post = after
• Exposure = coming into contact with HIV
• Prophylaxis = preventing an infection from occurring
• Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is an HIV prevention option where HIV-negative individuals take HIV medications after coming into contact with HIV to reduce their risk of becoming infected. Medication for PEP is taken every 28 days and must be started as soon as possible after contact with HIV

PEP is for HIV-negative people who had anal or vaginal sex without a condom (or a condom broke) with someone who has HIV or you are not sure if they have HIV. 

PEP can also help if you were forced to have sex against your will (a survivor of sexual assault) or you are unsure if you have come into contact with HIV due to injection drug use.

If you worry that you are at risk of becoming infected with HIV, ask your provider about PrEP for the prevention of HIV.

PEP works best if you start taking it right away.  Go to an emergency room or clinic as soon as possible and ask for PEP.  You need to start within 72 hours (3 days) after coming into contact with HIV.

PEP is taken every day for 28 days.  

PEP uses some of the same medicines that people living with HIV take to treat their HIV. If you come into contact with HIV, it takes a few days for the HIV infection to spread in your body. These medicines begin to stop the virus from growing, so you need to start PEP right away.  As soon as you start PEP, the medicines begin to stop the virus from growing.

You need to take PEP every day to keep enough medicine in your body to stop HIV.  If you want to stop taking PEP before the 28 days are over, talk to your provider first. 

PEP is not 100% successful. If PEP is taken as soon as possible after you come into contact with HIV and taken for 28 days, it can prevent HIV infection. It works best if taken within 72 hours after contact (or possible contact) with HIV. In one research study of healthcare workers who came into contact with HIV, PEP reduced their chances of getting HIV by 80%.

After you finish your 28 days of PEP, your provider will need to repeat your HIV test to make sure PEP worked 

• PEP does not fully protect you against HIV, is it also not a cure for HIV. Condoms give you and your partners’ added protection, even while on PEP. Condoms also protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy.
• PEP is only for emergency situations. If you worry a lot about getting HIV, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) may be for you.