PEP

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a course of medication taken by HIV negative people after sex to reduce the risk of getting HIV, it can stop an HIV infection after the virus has entered the body. PEP needs to be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of the potential exposure to HIV, but is most effective within the first 24 hours. It is a course of medication that is taken for 28 days.

A 28 day course is effective for both vaginal and anal sex.

PEP is available at sexual health (GUM) clinics or from A&E. Find your sexual health clinic here.

PEP is free on the NHS but is not given routinely to everyone who asks for it. Only people who meet the guidelines will be offered PEP.