Key points at a glance
⏱️ Act quickly
PEP should be started as soon as possible following a potential exposure to HIV.
💊 Four weeks’ treatment
PEP involves taking HIV medication for four weeks.
🏥 Receive PEP
PEP is available at specialist outpatient clinics and practices specialising in HIV.
🛡️ Prevent infection
PEP is highly likely to prevent HIV infection following possible exposure to HIV.
What is HIV PEP?
HIV PEP is an emergency treatment following possible exposure to HIV. PEP stands for Post-exposure prophylaxis and essentially means „post-exposure prophylaxis“.
HIV medication is taken for four weeks. It is designed to prevent HIV from becoming established in the body. PEP may be an option, for example, if a condom has broken or slipped off and the HIV-positive person’s viral load is not being suppressed by medication.
It is important to start PEP as soon as possible:
- ideally within 2 hours
- if possible, within 24 hours
- within 48 hours at the latest
Whether PEP can still be effective up to 72 hours after potential exposure to HIV is a matter of debate.
PEP: When it is an option
PEP may be advisable following a potential exposure to HIV. This applies, for example, in the following situations:
- Unprotected vaginal or anal sex: The other person is very likely to be HIV-positive. At the same time, it is unclear whether they are receiving HIV treatment or whether that treatment is effective.
- Detectable viral load: The other person is HIV-positive and HIV is detectable in their blood. This is not the case with effective HIV treatment.
- Injury in a medical context: Medical staff sustain injuries from a syringe or other instrument that has previously come into contact with the blood of an HIV-positive person.
- Sharing needles when taking drugs: A syringe had previously been used by an HIV-positive person.
- Medical assessment: Whether PEP is appropriate is determined during a consultation at a doctor’s surgery or outpatient clinic.
- After a sexual mishap: It may be helpful if sexual partners attend the consultation. They can provide information about HIV infection, any HIV treatment they may be receiving, and any drug resistance.
PEP: Where to get it
You can receive PEP at specialist hospitals and doctors’ surgeries. Suitable outpatient clinics are open round the clock. During the day, you can also contact an HIV specialist practice.
It’s important not to waste any time. If there are several places you could go, you should choose the one you can get to quickest.
PEP: Possible side effects
A course of PEP lasts four weeks. Side effects may occur during treatment with HIV medication. These include, for example, headaches, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.
Immediate measures following exposure to HIV
After having unprotected sex with someone who has HIV, the risk of transmission can be slightly reduced by taking a few immediate steps.
- After unprotected anal or vaginal sex: Wash the penis under running water with soap. To do this, pull back the foreskin. Gently clean the glans and the inside of the foreskin without applying pressure to the mucous membrane.
- If semen has entered the mouth: Spit it out straight away. Then rinse your mouth briefly with water four or five times.
- If semen has got into your eye: Rinse your eye with water.
Vaginal or rectal douching is not recommended. It is not known whether this reduces the risk of HIV or might even increase it.
Important: These measures can only reduce the risk slightly. They are no substitute for condoms or Femidoms, nor for protection provided by treatment or PrEP. If PEP is an option, these immediate measures cannot replace it either.
Frequently asked questions
What is HIV PEP?
PEP is an emergency treatment following possible exposure to HIV. It involves taking medication for four weeks to prevent HIV from establishing itself in the body.
When should PEP be started?
As soon as possible. Ideally within two hours, if possible within 24 hours, and no later than 48 hours. Whether PEP is still advisable up to 72 hours after exposure is a matter of debate.
When might PEP be appropriate?
For example, after unprotected anal or vaginal sex with an HIV-positive person who has a detectable viral load. PEP may also be considered following certain injuries involving blood containing HIV or when sharing needles.
Where can I get PEP?
PEP is available at specialist outpatient clinics and doctors’ surgeries. Suitable outpatient clinics are open round the clock. During the day, you can also contact an HIV-specialist surgery.
What side effects can PEP have?
Possible symptoms include, amongst others, headaches, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.
