PEP

Throughout this website, we present information that is specific and descriptive about body parts and potential risks, but we avoid describing the genders of people to whom this information might apply. We use medical terms such as “vagina”, “anus”, and “penis” to describe relevant body parts. However, we encourage you to use the language that feels most comfortable for you when talking about yourself or being referred to by others. When interacting with health providers, partners, and sexual connections, we encourage you to request the language that is most affirming and appropriate for you.

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a 28-day course of medications that helps prevent HIV infection after possible exposure. If you think that you have been exposed to HIV, it’s important that you act sooner rather than later. To check your eligibility for PEP, talk to a healthcare provider. 

The sooner someone starts PEP, the better, but it must be started within 72 hours (3 days) after a possible exposure to HIV.

Reasons to take PEP may include:

  • Having anal/vaginal/front hole sex without a condom when you’re not using PrEP, with someone whose HIV status you do not know
  • Having anal/vaginal/front hole sex without a condom with someone who is HIV positive and does not have an undetectable viral load
  • A condom or barrier protection breaking or slipping during sex
  • Sharing injecting equipment

You can access PEP from Emergency Departments, and during business hours at some sexual health centres.

PEP is not a cure for HIV. PEP can prevent HIV from establishing itself in the body when a course of PEP is started within 72 hours after a possible exposure. It’s encouraged that folks act as soon as possible to get PEP to give it the best chance of working properly.

@messyvoices – Trans man.

I had to access PEP once. It was a really seamless process because I knew what I needed and I was very clear with my GP. The doctor wasn’t judgemental, it was no different to me getting my antidepressants. I’ve continued seeing him as a GP. Which is funny, because initially I was scared to tell him about my trans stuff – assuming he would discriminate against me, but I was wrong about him.

Find out more about PEP at www.getpep.info.

If you find that you need to access PEP more than once, you might want to consider PrEP.