PEP – (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) means taking antiretroviral medicines (ART) after being potentially exposed to HIV to prevent becoming infected.

PEP should be used only in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours (or 3 days) after a recent possible exposure to HIV. The sooner you start PEP, the better. Every hour counts.

You take PEP 1-2 times a day for at least 28 days. The medicines used in PEP are called antiretroviral medications (ART). These medicines work by stopping HIV from spreading through your body.

If you think you would benefit from starting PrEP, the once-a-day pill to prevent HIV, talk to Face to Face or your provider about starting PrEP immediately after finishing PEP.

If you think you’ve recently been exposed to HIV during sex or through sharing needles, or if you’ve been sexually assaulted, or if you have come in to contact with pre-semen, semen, vaginal fluid, rectal fluid or blood and don’t know their HIV status, call us. We can link you with a healthcare provider and can support you through the process.