What Is Post Exposure Prophylaxis (Also, Known As PEP)?

Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a series of pills you can start taking very soon after you’ve been exposed to HIV that lowers your chances of getting it. But you have to start PEP within 72 hours, or 3 days, after you were exposed to HIV, or it won’t work. The sooner you start, the better it works — every hour matters.

TRANSCRIPT:
PEP stands for post exposure prophylaxis. PEP refers to taking emergency medicines after you’ve been exposed to HIV. PEP can help prevent you from getting HIV if you start it within 72 hours, or 3 days, after being exposed to HIV.

If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV during sex, were sexually assaulted, or shared needles
with someone who has HIV, PEP may be right for you.

The sooner you start PEP, the better it works. Every hour matters. But you need a prescription from a doctor or nurse to get PEP. So call your doctor, your local Planned Parenthood health center, or visit an emergency room as soon as you can if you think you need PEP.

PEP isn’t just a one-time pill, it’s many pills over many weeks. You take anti-HIV medicines 1 to 2 times a day for at least 4 weeks.

There can be side effects of PEP, like stomach aches and tiredness. But PEP side effects aren’t dangerous, and can be treated.

PEP lowers your chances of becoming HIV positive by a lot. But there’s no guarantee that PEP will work.

Your doctor or nurse can help you decide if PEP is right for you. They’ll talk with you about what happened, when it happened, and who it happened with to help you figure out if PEP is a good option for you.

PEP isn’t meant to be used often — it’s only for emergencies. For ongoing HIV prevention, use condoms, and ask a doctor or nurse about PrEP — a daily pill that can help you prevent HIV.

Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.

[sAnTinOBro]

It's so dumb that you need prescription for it. Like it takes a while to get prescription. Emergency is too expensive and mostly not covered by common insurance. It took me two days to get one and tons of driving to find a pharmacy with it.

[kevinwhite]

I don't have insurance or a primary care doctor and the hospital only sent me home with a 3 day supply.

[planemod]

Is there a PEP for norovirus because I hate vomiting

[drsanitariesbuildersmart]

I got exposed with a now know HIV person who is now on medication unprotected sex with her it took me 2 days later to check her status due to her unavailability... Started PEP under the 72 hours mark.(about 66hrs)
Have finished PEP had extra pills so took it for 32days..had side effects throughout flatulence, vivid dreams, tingling sensation on my legs (the worst), fatigue, I could actually see pep in my eyes I was engorged in it.

Finished pep but am still feeling sick mild body movement, pinching sensation, mild joint and muscular pain, body twitching, mild fatigue... Am bothered pep failed and am

[lyhovrealboycambodiacrush]

I took PEP for 58 hours, is it effective?😢

[MedSurvivalMnemonics]

HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) mnemonic:

💎💎 Mnemonic: RATE 💎💎

RA → Raltegravir
T → Tenofovir
E → Emtricitabine or Lamividine

Key Points:

•3 Drugs within 72 hours (3 days) after exposure.
•Duration: Total 4 weeks of treatment.