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Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

Banner PEP: treating HIV

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis is a preventative treatment prescribed to anyone who may have been exposed to HIV to avoid of being infected. PEP is a combination of 3 antiretrovirals that prevent the virus from infecting the body, helping it to remain seronegative. PEP is used in emergency situations, it is reccomended to start the treatment as soon as possible within 4 hours after the possible exposure. The earlier it is taken, the more efficient it is. This is why treatment must begin within 48 hours of the possible exposure. It must be taken for 30 days, at the same time each day.

When to take PEP?​

When someone has possibly been exposed to HIV, PEP is recommended. Situations of exposure can include:

  • unprotected sexual intercourse;
  • a broken condom;
  • shared injection material (for example when consuming sustances);
  • an object covered in blood because of a cut;
  • if PrEP was forgotten and after a risky sexual relation
tip

Anyone can take PEP, adults and minors. If the person is a minor, they do not need parental permission to get and take PEP. If you do not have social security coverage, you can still access PEP.

How to get PEP?​

After a risky situation, get quickly to a CeGIDD or to the emergency services of a hospital. Tell the personnel of why you are there to ensure you are taken care of quickly.

When you meet them, the doctor will ask you questions to evaluate the risk of HIV transmission and adapt to your situation:

  • if the risk is low, they may propose surveillance,
  • if the risk is high, PEP may be prescribed.

At first, if the doctor is not a specialist in HIV, they may give you the treatment for a few days (2-4 days). After, you will be sent to a specialist who will continue the treatment. They may require testing for HIV and/or other STIs, and decide how to continue the treatment. If PEP is continued, the doctor will prescribe the rest of the treatment and can adapt it to your tolerance and side effects you may experience.

If the first appointment happens directly with a specialist, PEP may be prescribed for 28 days directly.

It is also reccommended to come with your partner. Useful tests can also be suggested for them. If your partner knows they are seropositive, it can be useful to bring relevant documentation to adapt the treatment.

What are the side effects of PEP?​

Side effects are common, especially during the first days: nauseau, stomach aches, diarrhea, fatigue, headaches, etc. If the side effects are too violent, contact your doctor to adapt the treatment.

How to be sure you are not contaminated​

At the end of the treatment, about one month after the start of the treatment, a test is done. If the result is negative, another test is done 3 months later to definitively determine seronegativity.