PEP

PEP Questions?

• What is PEP?

  PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. Its medication(s) you take to reduce your risk of HIV infection if you’ve had sex with somebody who you know has HIV and is not on treatment and undetectable, or whose status is unknown. You must begin within 72 hours for it to be effective, although the sooner, the better. You take a pill every day for 30 days. PEP works by using antiretroviral therapy (ART), the same type of medication used in PrEP and HIV treatment, to stop HIV from entering your cells and replicating. We typically prescribe a medication called Biktarvy for PEP.

• Who should use PEP?

  Anybody who has had unprotected intercourse with a partner who has HIV but is not on medication and undetectable, or whose HIV status is unknown. PEP is for men, women, and trans people. You may need it when a condom breaks, or when you did not use protection. PEP is also given to sexual assault victims when they seek care at the ER. If you're not sure whether you are at risk our providers can help you assess that.

• How do I take PEP?

  PEP needs to be taken within 72 hours after a possible exposure. The sooner you start, the more likely it is to work. You must take PEP every day for 30 days for it to be fully effective. You’ll need a follow-up HIV test 4 to 6 weeks after exposure, along with another test about three months later.

  While PrEP may be compared to birth control pills, you can think of PEP as being similar to emergency contraception. The major difference, of course, is that PEP involves a 30-day regimen rather than a single dose like Plan B One-Step or Ella.

• How effective is PEP?

  People who take it need to stay in touch with their healthcare provider and get an HIV test three to six weeks after they begin taking PEP and again about three months later. PEP is not 100% effective but if you begin it as soon as possible within 72 hours, and continue to take your pill every day for 30 days, it’s quite likely to be effective.

• Does PEP have risks or side effects?

  It is generally quite safe, without major side effects, but you do need to stay in contact with a medical provider while you are taking it. Some people experience some stomach upset for a few days, and you may also experience trouble sleeping. In rare cases people have an allergic reaction but, again, that’s rare.

• How do I get PEP through Nurx?

  Although PEP isn’t one of our main services and we can’t deliver it in the mail, we will help a patient get PEP if they need it. If you need PEP and think Nurx may be your best option for accessing it, request an STI Home Test Kit or a PrEP prescription through our website or app. You’ll see a question about whether you’re concerned you’ve been exposed to HIV within the past 72 hours. Answer “yes” then complete the process and order an STI Home Test Kit or a PrEP Home Test Kit, which you’ll need to confirm that you’re HIV-negative after you take PEP. We’ll get in touch to get you started on PEP if it’s appropriate, and will call the prescription in to a pharmacy near you. If you don’t have insurance we’ll help you apply for payment assistance through the manufacturer.

  We have somebody on call to help with PEP every day, including weekends.

• Are there other ways to get PEP?

  You can usually get PEP at your local emergency department, urgent care, or STI clinic. If that’s the fastest way for you to get started on PEP, you should do that, because you need to start within 72 hours and the sooner, the better. But Nurx is here for patients in the states that we serve if they feel that we are the fastest or safest way for them to access the medication.

• How is PEP different from PrEP?

  PrEP is a medication HIV-negative people take to stay HIV-negative, it can be taken daily or on-demand, but in both cases it needs to be taken before a sexual encounter to be effective. Although PrEP and PEP work in a similar way, the combination of medications prescribed for PEP is different.