HIV PEP
for HIV prevention
- Taken AFTER sex to prevent HIV.
- It can protect you if you weren’t taking PrEP before you had sex.
- Requires 28 days of pills.
A pill that you take once a day for 28 days, started AFTER you have an unprotected sexual exposure. It’s “post-exposure” prophylaxis (PEP), so you take it after sex.
Studies suggest it is >80% effective at preventing HIV.
Works best if you take it as soon as possible after a potential exposure.
Literally anyone who has an unprotected exposure (sex or injection exposure).
Within 72 hours after an exposure.
You should take it within 24 hours, but you can take it up to 72 hours after sex.
We don’t know. It’s best to take HIV PEP each day for 28 days.
Diarrhea, headache, or nausea.
No. You take HIV PEP after unprotected sex or injection exposure.
Without insurance, the cost can be high. Most insurance plans cover HIV PEP. There are also patient assistance programs. Without insurance or patient assistance programs, it can cost $4400.
It provides protection against HIV if you take it soon after an unprotected exposure.
You must take it for 28 days.
There is no known effect on hormones such as estradiol or testosterone. Hormones also do not affect PrEP levels. So, you’re good!
HIV PEP works by stopping HIV from reproducing itself, so it can’t establish infection in the first place.
