Having unprotected sex comes with many risks including the risk of HIV. But there is a medication called PEP that you can take to prevent HIV infection after being exposed.
PEP stands for Post Exposure Prophylaxis. What does that mean?
Post’ is afterwards.
Exposure is when you may have had contact with HIV.
Prophylaxis is a treatment which is given to prevent a disease.
So, what is PEP?
PEP is a combination of ARV pills you can take within 72 hours after you’ve been exposed to HIV. The medication lowers your chances of getting infected with HIV.
PEP must be taken within 72 hours, or 3 days, after you’ve been exposed to HIV. PEP is prescribed by a nurse or a doctor. It is important to remember that the sooner you visit the clinic or doctor and start PEP, the better it works. Every hour matters!
How do I take PEP?
You take PEP orally 1-2 times a day for at least 28 days.
How does PEP work?
PEP is a treatment to help you prevent getting HIV once you have unprotected sex or have been exposed. The medicines used in PEP are called antiretroviral medications. These medicines stop HIV from spreading through your body. If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, talk to your healthcare provider about PEP, right away.
Do you want to find out who can get PEP? Read this.
Wondering what to do if you think you’ve been exposed to HIV? Take this quiz,
