What is PEP?
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a course of medicine that reduces the risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmission. PEP works best when it is taken as soon as possible and up to 72 hours after exposure to HIV.
Should I take PEP?
You should think about taking PEP if there was a chance you were exposed to HIV. Exposure to HIV can happen during some sex acts or when you share drug and needle equipment with another person.
If you are worried or unsure about your risk of HIV transmission you can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222. This service is free and available to anyone in Australia, even if you are a visitor or do not have Medicare. A nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The nurse will ask you some personal questions to check if PEP is needed.
How soon should I take PEP?
The sooner PEP is started after exposure to HIV the better. The longer you wait, the greater the chance that PEP won’t work.
It is most effective when started within 24 hours but must be started within 72 hours of your exposure. PEP usually isn’t given more than 72 hours (3 days) after exposure as studies show it is unlikely to be effective.
However, if you are unable to access PEP within the 72 hours, it is still worth seeking medical advice to see what your options are - even if it has been up to 5-7 days since the exposure occurred. One option you may have is commencing a 3-drug combination of antiretroviral medications as soon as possible just in case you have become HIV positive. In this case, you would be starting very early treatment and minimising the damage to your immune system.
PEP vs PrEP
PEP stands for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis and is the focus of this website.
It is a month-long course of drugs to help prevent HIV infection that is taken after a possible exposure to HIV.
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.
It is a drug taken daily over a sustained period to help prevent HIV infection before exposure.
More information about PrEP can be found here: https://www.healthequitymatters.org.au/about-hiv/prevention
Want to talk to someone about PEP?
Contact the Get PEP hotline in your state or territory, phone your local sexual health service or call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222.
Quick Decision Guide
When should you think about taking PEP?
You should think about taking PEP if there was a chance you were exposed to HIV. This can happen during some sex acts or when you share drug and needle equipment with another person.
This is a guide only. If you are worried or unsure about your risk of HIV transmission call the PEP Hotline in your state or territory as soon as possible. A nurse will ask you some questions to check if PEP is needed.
Condom broke during sex
If your condom broke and:
- You are not on PrEP and or the other person is not on PrEP
- You do not know the other person’s HIV status.
You should take PEP within 72 hours.
Had sex without a condom
If you had anal and or vaginal sex without a condom and there may be a risk of HIV transmission, you should take PEP within 72 hours.
Risk is higher if:
- You received anal sex without a condom
- You do not know your partner’s HIV status
- You are not taking PrEP.
Shared drug and needle equipment
Sharing needles and needle equipment with another person when injecting any drug has a high risk of HIV. This includes illicit drugs and the nonmedical use of drugs such as steroids.
- Always use new needles and injecting equipment
- If you used a shared needle, you should take PEP within 72 hours.
Free needles are available from Needle and Syringe Programs (NSPs). You can find your local NSP here.
Sexual assualt
There may be a risk of HIV transmission after a sexual assault. You should check if PEP is needed because PEP works best when started within 72 hours.
- If the assault just happened and you need urgent help, call 000 and ask for the police.
- If the assault has just happened and is within 72 hours you can go to any hospital emergency department for medical care including PEP.
- You can phone your local sexual health service or the PEP Hotline and speak to a nurse confidentially if you want to understand your risk of HIV transmission.
- If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, help is available. 1800RESPECT offers free, confidential support and can help you find services in your area.
Want to talk to someone about PEP?
Some states and territories also have PEP information lines where you can speak to a nurse about your risk and if you should take PEP. You can also call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak with a nurse 24/7.