WHAT IS PEP?

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) means taking medicine to prevent HIV after a possible exposure..

PEP Must Be Started Within 72 Hours of Possible Exposure to HIV

Talk right away (within 72 hours) to your health care provider, an emergency room doctor, or an urgent care provider about PEP if you think you’ve recently been exposed to HIV

• during sex (for example, if the condom broke),

• through sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs (for example, cookers), or

• if you’ve been sexually assaulted.

The sooner you start PEP, the better. Every hour counts. If you’re prescribed PEP, you’ll need to take it daily for 28 days.