What are PrEP and PEP?

PrEP and PEP are medications used to prevent HIV. Each type is used in different situations:

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is for people who do not have HIV but are at risk of getting it. PrEP is a medication that can reduce this risk. It can be taken as a daily pill or administered as an injection every two months. With PrEP, if you are exposed to HIV, the medication can prevent HIV from establishing itself and spreading in your body.

PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. PEP is for people who may have been exposed to HIV. It is used only in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after potential exposure to HIV.

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)

Who should consider taking PrEP?
PrEP can be beneficial for those who are HIV-negative and engage in high-risk behaviors. This includes individuals who have had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months with a partner who is HIV-positive, those who do not consistently use condoms, or those who have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) recently. It also applies to people who inject drugs, especially if they share needles or have an injecting partner with HIV. Additionally, PrEP is recommended for those who have been prescribed PEP and continue to engage in high-risk behaviors or have used multiple courses of PEP.

If you have an HIV-positive partner and are considering pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider about PrEP. Taking PrEP may help protect you and your baby from HIV infection while attempting to conceive, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding.

How effective is PrEP?

PrEP is highly effective when taken consistently. It reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and by at least 74% among people who inject drugs. PrEP is much less effective if not taken consistently.

PrEP does not protect against other STIs, so it is important to use latex condoms every time you have sex. If you or your partner is allergic to latex, polyurethane condoms can be used instead.

You must have an HIV test every 3 months while taking PrEP, so you will have regular follow-up visits with your healthcare provider. If you have difficulty taking PrEP every day or wish to discontinue it, talk to your provider.

Does PrEP cause side effects?

Some people taking PrEP may experience side effects such as nausea. These side effects are usually not serious and often improve over time. If you are taking PrEP and experience bothersome or persistent side effects, inform your provider.

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)

Who should consider taking PEP?

PEP should be considered if you are HIV-negative or unsure of your HIV status and believe you may have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours. This includes situations such as a condom breaking during sex with a potentially HIV-positive partner, sharing needles or drug preparation equipment, or experiencing sexual assault. Contact your healthcare provider or visit an emergency room immediately if you think you need PEP.

Your provider or emergency room doctor will assess whether PEP is appropriate for you.

PEP may also be administered to healthcare workers after potential exposure to HIV at work, such as through a needlestick injury.

When should I start PEP and how long should I take it?

PEP must be initiated within 72 hours (3 days) after potential exposure to HIV. The sooner you begin treatment, the better, as every hour counts.

You need to take PEP medication daily for 28 days. You will need to see your provider at specified intervals during and after completing PEP treatment for HIV screening and other tests.

Does PEP cause side effects?

Some individuals taking PEP may experience side effects like nausea, which are typically mild and tend to improve with time. If you are taking PEP and encounter bothersome or persistent side effects, inform your provider.

PEP medications may also interact with other medications a person is taking (known as drug interactions). Therefore, it is important to inform your provider about any other medications you are using.

Can I use PEP every time I have unprotected sex?

PEP is intended for emergency situations and is not suitable for individuals who may frequently be exposed to HIV, such as through unprotected sex with an HIV-positive partner. In such cases, consult your healthcare provider about whether PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) would be appropriate for you.






 

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