Whats the difference between PEP & PrEP
PEP (Post exposure Prophylaxis)
PEP is designed to be used after potential exposure to HIV if you feel you have been exposed to HIV (e.g. you are having sex with a guy and the condom breaks).
If you feel you have been exposed to HIV due to a broken condom or after sharing used needles a course of PEP can prevent HIV infection.
PrEP (Pre Exposure prophylaxis)
PrEP is used as a preventative measure, to be taken daily before exposure to HIV.
PEP. The Facts
PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) is a treatment that may prevent HIV transmission & available to persons likely to be exposed to HIV.
Some quick facts
- PEP must be taken within 72 Hours (ideally within 2 hours)
- PEP must be prescribed by a doctor
- PEP is available from all hospital emergency departments & most sexual health clinics (including at QuAC).
- PEP is a 4 week course (you must consume the full 28 day course)
- PEP is highly effective, but NOT 100% effective.
- PEP may cause side effects
Visit http://getpep.info for more information on PEP.
When could PEP could be useful?
- Condom breaking and your sexual partners HIV status is unknown.
- Sharing used injecting equipment and the sharing users HIV status is unknown.
- After condomless sex where the partners HIV status or HIV viral load in unknown.
Is PEP and PrEP used by HIV negative guys?
Yes, both are designed to be used by guys who are HIV negative.
Can I use PEP as PrEP?
Both PrEP (pre exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (Post exposure prophylaxis) are medications that must be prescribed by a doctor and used according to your doctors instructions.