PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
Emergency medicine taken after a possible exposure to HIV, started within 72 hours and taken every day for 28 days.
Emergency protection after exposure
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is emergency HIV medicine for people who may have been exposed to HIV, for example after a condom breaks, sex without protection, or sexual assault. It must be started as soon as possible, within 72 hours, and taken every day for 28 days.
Three simple steps
Act fast
Seek care immediately, PEP must start within 72 hours of the possible exposure.
Take the full course
Take the medicine every day for 28 days, exactly as prescribed.
Test and plan
Follow up with testing, and ask about PrEP if you have ongoing risk.
The essentials
- Must be started within 72 hours of a possible exposure, the sooner, the better.
- Taken every day for 28 days to be effective.
- For emergencies, not ongoing prevention, PrEP is for ongoing risk.
- Available at clinics, emergency services, and many health facilities.
If you think you have been exposed to HIV, do not wait, seek care right away. Every hour counts within the 72-hour window.
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