What is PEP?

PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. It means taking antiretroviral medicines (ART) after being potentially exposed to HIV to prevent becoming infected. PEP must be started within 36 hours after a recent possible exposure to HIV, but the sooner you start PEP, the better. Every hour counts.

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What are the types of IUDs?

If you are HIV-negative and you think you may have been recently exposed to HIV, contact your health care provider immediately or go to an emergency room right away.

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You may be prescribed PEP if you are HIV-negative or don’t know your HIV status, and in the last 72 hours you:

• Think you may have been exposed to HIV during sex (for example, you had a condom break)

• Shared needles or works to prepare drugs

• Were sexually assaulted

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Your health care provider or emergency room doctor will evaluate you and help you decide whether PEP is right for you.

In addition, if you are a health care worker, you may be prescribed PEP after a possible exposure to HIV at work, such as from a needlestick injury.