Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a type of emergency medication taken after exposure to HIV in order to prevent an infection. If one believes they have been exposed to HIV, they must take PEP within 72 hours of the contact, otherwise the drug’s effectiveness significantly decreases. The sooner one takes PEP within that 72 hour window, the stronger its effect. After initially taking PEP, one must continue taking PEP daily for 28 days. This drug regimen is known as antiretroviral therapy.