PrEP: What You Need to Know

What is PrEP?

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) can reduce your risk of getting HIV from sex or injection-drug use. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV.

Basic Facts

• PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine that reduces your chances of getting HIV from sex or injection-drug use
• When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV
• PrEP can be pills or shots
• If you don’t have HIV but are at risk, PrEP can help you stay HIV-free
• PrEP will not protect you against other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like syphilis and gonorrhea

PEP: What You Need to Know

What is PEP?

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) means taking medicine to prevent HIV after a possible exposure.

Basic Facts

• PEP must be taken within 72 hours after possible exposure to HIV
• Immediately contact your healthcare provider, an emergency room doctor, or an urgent care provider about PEP if you think you have recently been exposed to HIV:
  • During sex (for example, if the condom broke)
  • Through sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs (for example, cookers), or if you’ve been sexually assaulted

The sooner you start PEP, the better. Every hour counts.

If you’re prescribed PEP, you’ll need to take it daily for 28 days.