PEP

“PEP” stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. Taking PEP means you’re taking antiretroviral medicines (ART) to keep you HIV-negative after a possible exposure to HIV. 

PEP is a 28-day course of medication that should be used only in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after a recent, possible exposure to HIV. If you think you’ve recently been exposed to HIV during sex or through sharing needles and works to prepare drugs, or if you’ve been sexually assaulted, please contact a clinic or emergency room right away. You can walk into any ER to request PEP.

Please bring proof of insurance when seeking PEP. If you do not have health insurance or have insurance that is not accepted at the clinic or emergency room you visit, there will typically be a fee for the visits and necessary blood tests. The cost of medication is not included in this fee, but financial assistance may be available through pharmaceutical programs for those who qualify.  Be sure to discuss this with the clinic or ER staff.