PEP is an emergency form of treatment which aims to reduce your risk of becoming infected with HIV after a potential exposure to HIV.

PEP involves a 4 week course of HIV treatment that helps prevent someone from HIV infection.

PEP is for anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to HIV. Some of the most common reasons for needing PEP medication include:

• Having condomless anal sex or if the condom breaks/slips off during sex with someone who has or may have HIV and is not on HIV treatment.
• Sharing needles or syringes with a person who has or may have HIV

If you believe you’ve been exposed to HIV, you should start PEP as soon as possible, ideally within a few hours after the risk event. If it is not started within 72 hours (3 days) of exposure to HIV it is likely that the drug will be ineffective.

You can access PEP for free from your nearest sexual health clinic or A&E department.