PEP is a way to help prevent the transmission of HIV in an HIV-negative person who may have been recently exposed to the virus. It involves taking HIV medications as soon as possible after a potential exposure to HIV. Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to HIV should contact their family doctor or nurse practitioner, a hospital emergency room or sexual health clinic immediately to see if they offer PEP.
PEP is very effective but will not prevent 100% of HIV transmissions from occurring. It must be started within 72 hours of exposure to HIV. For PEP to be effective, a person must have high adherence to the full course of PEP drugs and should have no further exposures to HIV. PEP consists of a combination of three HIV medications which you have to take consistently for 28 days. You may be provided with a few days’ supply of PEP to start taking it right away and be given a prescription to for the remainder of the 28 days.
*PEP should be covered in full through Infectious Diseases. Check in with your provider to ensure that they are billing the medication correctly. Without coverage, PEP can cost upwards of $900 for a 28-day course.
Learn more about PEP: