PEP

PEP Can Stop You From Getting HIV

HIV Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a medical intervention that prevents HIV infection. It involves taking HIV medications over four-weeks after a possible exposure; but PEP has to be started within 72-hours after a possible exposure. (The sooner the better.)

Because there is this quick turn around time most people seek PEP at an emergency room. Emergency rooms however may not be familiar with PEP depending on where you are in the country or may not have the medications on hand. If they seem unaware of PEP ask them to speak to their infectious disease specialist.  There are also sexual health clinics and pharmacies who deal in PrEP who may be able to support PEP referrals or access; however, they are not necessarily set up to do a quick turn around in getting you on PEP within 72 hours – but likely know where to go to get PEP quickly.

To get PEP you need:

• a prescription made out to you;
• a way to pay for PEP or someone who knows how to assist you with coverage, or who can give you a starter kit at no cost until you can figure coverage out; and
• some screening done such as checking your HIV status, knowing what other medications you are taking, and other issues. They will ask you to be tested again at the end of the process to make sure PEP worked.

When you start taking the PEP medications it is important to check-in during your regularly scheduled times with the medical professionals who are monitoring the process. They can advise on any side effects too.

In a sexual assault situation, the process is more streamlined and the cost for PEP would be covered in Ontario.

For more detailed information see:

https://www.actoronto.org/health-information/sexual-health/pep

More PEP resources can be found in the Resource and Links section of this site.