PrEP vs PEP - Byron Bay
PrEP and PEP are methods for preventing HIV infection that involve taking HIV medicines. When you take steps to protect yourself against a disease, like HIV, it's called prophylaxis.
PrEP and PEP are for people who don't have HIV, but are at risk of getting it.
PrEP
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis.
What's it called?
PEP
PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis.
Before HIV exposure
PrEP is taken every day, before possible exposure.
When is it taken?
After HIV exposure
In emergency situations, PEP is taken within 72 hours (3 days) after possible exposure.
PrEP is for people who don't have HIV and:
- have a sex partner with HIV
- have sex with people whose HIV status is unknown
- share injection drug equipment
Who is it for?
PEP is for people who don't have HIV but may have been exposed:
- during sex
- at work through a needlestick or other injury
- by sharing injection drug equipment
- during a sexual assault
PrEP
Consistent use of PrEP can reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and from injection drug use by at least 74%.
How effective is it?
PEP
PEP can prevent HIV infection when taken correctly, but it is not always effective. Start PEP as soon as possible to give it the best chance of working.
PrEP
Ask us about a prescription for PrEP, or use PrEPlocator.org to find a health care provider in your area.
How do you get it?
PEP
Contact us within 72 hours or as soon as possible after the potential exposure to get a prescription for PEP, or go to an urgent care facility/emergency room.
What's it called?
PrEP
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis.
PEP
PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis.
When is it taken?
Before HIV exposure
PrEP is taken every day, before possible exposure.
After HIV exposure
In emergency situations, PEP is taken within 72 hours (3 days) after possible exposure.
Who is it for?
PrEP is for people who don't have HIV and:
- have a sex partner with HIV
- have sex with people whose HIV status is unknown
- share injection drug equipment
PEP is for people who don't have HIV but may have been exposed:
- during sex
- at work through a needlestick or other injury
- by sharing injection drug equipment
- during a sexual assault
How effective is it?
PrEP
Consistent use of PrEP can reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and from injection drug use by at least 74%.
PEP
PEP can prevent HIV infection when taken correctly, but it is not always effective. Start PEP as soon as possible to give it the best chance of working.
How do you get it?
PrEP
Ask us about a prescription for PrEP, or use PrEPlocator.org to find a health care provider in your area.
PEP
Contact us within 72 hours or as soon as possible after the potential exposure to get a prescription for PEP, or go to an urgent care facility/emergency room.
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