PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis) for HIV

PEP is recommended for people with high risk exposures to HIV that have occurred within the past 72 hours. PEP may be a good option for a person who, in the past 72 hours:

• Engaged in unprotected vaginal or anal sex with a partner living with HIV or whose HIV status is unknown
• Shared needles or other equipment related to injecting drugs
• Experienced a sexual assault
• Was exposed to HIV at work (e.g. through a splash or needlestick injury)

PEP is a four-week program of daily antiviral medications. Treatment should be started as soon as possible, preferably within the first several hours after an exposure. After 72 hours PEP is much less effective in preventing HIV infection. The sooner PEP is administered, the more effective it is.

PEP is only for use right after a potential HIV exposure. PEP does not replace regular use of other proven HIV prevention methods, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), condoms, and avoiding sharing equipment for injecting drugs. PEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. After taking PEP, a person will need to return for follow-up HIV testing. Any person who may be exposed to HIV again in the future should talk to their doctor about starting PrEP for HIV prevention after they have completed their 28 days of PEP.

PEP is safe for most people, including children, pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, and those with chronic medical conditions. PEP may cause mild side effects, such as nausea, headaches, and fatigue. A healthcare provider can help to manage these side effects.

Your primary care provider, emergency rooms, or urgent care clinics may be able to provide PEP. Remember, if you have significant exposure to HIV, get medical follow-up right away.

If you do not have a healthcare provider, contact the Mayor's Health Line at 617-534-5050 for help finding care in Boston.