PEP Treatment

Have you ever been in a situation where you think you could have been exposed to HIV? Did you know there is a course of drugs called PEP which could reduce the possibility of HIV transmission occurring? But what is PEP?

PEP stands for Post Exposure Prophylaxis.

Post – After

Exposure - A situation where HIV has a chance to get into someone’s body.

Prophylaxis – A combination of drugs that may stop infection happening.

It is a combination of powerful drugs that may prevent HIV infection after the virus has entered the body. When thinking about PEP, there are some things which you might consider about it:

• It could reduce the chances of HIV transmission
• It does involve taking HIV medication for four weeks
• PEP must be taken ASAP after exposure to the virus and must be taken before 72 hours
• There may be side effects
• It is not guaranteed to work

PEP should be available from sexual health clinics and hospital accident and emergency departments. Some men have reported difficulty in obtaining PEP. You may find easier it getting PEP at a sexual health clinic or an A & E in a hospital which has a specialist HIV clinic. Even then you are not guaranteed to be prescribed PEP; the final decision is with your doctor who will carry out a detailed assessment of your case.

PEP can reduce the risk of HIV transmission occurring but remember is not a cure for HIV and is not guaranteed to work. Condoms and lube used correctly during sex are the most effective way to prevent HIV transmission.

You can get more information regarding PEP by clicking here to visit our PEP website