HIV PEP
(HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
 

HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a medication regimen used to prevent HIV infection after you’ve been potentially exposed to the virus. PEP involves taking a combination of antiretroviral medications for 28 days to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

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PEP is most effective if started as soon as possible after a possible exposure, ideally within 2 hours, but it can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after exposure.

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WHO CAN TAKE HIV PEP?

HIV PEP may be an option if you have had high risk exposure to HIV in the following situations:

• Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone whose HIV status is unknown, or if they are HIV-positive and not on treatment, or detectable. 

• Condom failure (e.g., condom breaking or slipping during intercourse).

• Sexual assault or non-consensual sex.

• Needle-sharing (e.g., during injection drug use or accidental needle-stick injury).

• Exposure to HIV-positive blood (e.g., during a work-related injury).

• HIV PEP is for emergency situations and should be started as soon as possible after a possible exposure to HIV.

• To have an idea of your risk level based on type of sexual activity, please see the table at the bottom of the page.

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HOW DOES HIV PEP WORK?

PEP works by stopping the HIV virus from replicating in your body, preventing it from establishing an infection. The medications used for PEP are antiretroviral drugs that are typically prescribed for HIV treatment.

PEP is highly effective when taken correctly and consistently.

It does not guarantee that you will be protected from HIV, but it significantly reduces the chances of infection when started within the recommended timeframe.

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WHEN SHOULD I START HIV PEP?

• Start as soon as possible: the sooner you start taking HIV PEP, the more effective it will be.

• HIV PEP should be started within 72 hours (3 days) of exposure, but <24 hours is best.

• Timing matters: if you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, contact a healthcare provider or go to an emergency department as quickly as possible to begin the treatment.

 

HOW DO I TAKE HIV PEP?

• HIV PEP typically involves taking a combination of three medications for 28 days. The exact combination and dosage will depend on your healthcare provider's recommendation, and may be 2 pills or all within a single pill.

• The most common PEP regimen includes two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and one non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) or integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI).

• It’s important to take the medications exactly as prescribed, at the same time every day for the full 28 days.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF HIV PEP:

Most common side effects include:

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Diarrhea

• Rash

• Trouble sleeping
   

Less common but serious side effects may include:

• Liver problems (yellowing of skin or eyes, abdominal pain)

• Kidney problems (changes in urination)

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, difficulty breathing)
   

• If any of these side effects occur, please contact your health care provider immediately, or visit your nearest emergency department. 

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WHAT DO I DO AFTER TAKING HIV PEP?

1. Get Tested: After completing the 28-day PEP regimen, you will have an HIV test to confirm whether or not you have been infected. HIV tests are typically done at 6 weeks after exposure, then again at 3 months.

2. Book a follow up for suggested routine STI testing or for any other reason that may be indicated or discussed with your healthcare provider at the time of your PEP appointment.

3. Prevent Future Exposure: If you’re at ongoing risk of HIV, consider other preventive measures like HIV PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) or consistent condom use.
    

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?

• HIV PEP is not a substitute for other forms of HIV prevention: It should not be relied upon as a regular method of preventing HIV. The best way to prevent HIV is by using condoms, getting tested regularly, and considering HIV PrEP if it is something that is right for you.
   

• PEP is not 100% effective: While it significantly reduces the risk of infection, it does not guarantee complete protection from HIV.
   

• Follow your provider’s instructions: Be sure to take your medications as directed and follow up for testing and care.
   

HOW DO I GET A PRESCRIPTION FOR HIV PEP?

Book a HIV PEP appointment to discuss with one of our health care providers & receive a prescription. It is covered under OHIP+ (if you are 24 and under), or if you have private insurance benefits. If not, you can review risk and discuss with one of our providers about your best option. 

If we have no availability on our online booking, please send an e-mail to info@safersix.ca with subject: HIV PEP and we will do our best to fit you in as soon as possible.

If our clinic is closed, or unable to accommodate you, it is important to seek other clinics as soon as possible after exposure (time is crucial!), and you can visit any:

• Emergency departments at hospitals

• Sexual health clinics

• Public Health sexual health clinics

• Your family doctor

• Some pharmacies may be able to help (ie. The Village Pharmacy, MedsExpert Pharmacy)

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