Pep

What Is PEP?

PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, is a short course of HIV medicines taken very soon after a possible exposure to HIV to prevent the virus from taking hold in your body.

You must start it within 72 hours (3 days) after a possible exposure to HIV, or it won’t work. Every hour counts!

PEP should be used only in emergency situations. It is not meant for regular use by people who may be exposed to HIV frequently.

How Do You Know If You Need PEP?

PEP may be right for you if you are HIV-negative or don’t know your HIV status, and you think you may have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours:

• During sex (for example, you had a condom break with a partner of unknown HIV status or a partner with HIV who is not virally suppressed)
• Through shared needles, syringes, or other equipment used to inject drugs, or
• Through sexual assault