PrEP and PEP
PrEP
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What is PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)?
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PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is an oral medication taken by HIV-negative people to protect them from contracting HIV.
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When taken daily, or on-demand under the advice of a doctor, PrEP is almost 100% effective at preventing HIV.
What PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is used for:
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PrEP is for HIV-negative people at risk of HIV infection. This includes:
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Men who have sex with men without using a condom.
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Having a sexual partner who has HIV and is not on treatment, or are at high risk of getting HIV.
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People who are sexually active and inconsistently use condoms.
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Your circumstances and your risk of being exposed to HIV should all play a role in deciding whether PrEP is right for you.
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PEP
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What is PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)?
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a course of antiviral medication to prevent HIV infection if you think you have been exposed to the virus.
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PEP is most effective when started within 24 hours, but it must be started within 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV. The sooner PEP is taken, the better.
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What PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is used for:
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PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is taken after a known or suspected exposure to HIV to prevent HIV infection.
Examples of known or suspected exposure to HIV may include:
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Condom-less sex with a person whose HIV status you don’t know or who has HIV and is not on treatment.
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Where a condom has broken or failed during sex.
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Sharing needles or other injecting equipment.
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If you’re exposed to HIV from someone whose viral load is undetectable, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is usually not recommended, as there is no risk of transmission.
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Book an appointment with Dr Mark Choong​
Dr Mark Choong is a HIV GP specialist. He is a regular HIV PEP and PrEP prescriber.