Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) means taking HIV medicine as soon as possible after a likely exposure to HIV. This is to prevent HIV (prophylaxis).
You need to start taking the medicine as soon as possible and within 72 hours of likely exposure to HIV. The course lasts 28 days. You take the medicine every day.
You can be exposed to HIV through sexual contact or a needle injury.
PEP medicine is free. You may have to pay a fee for attending ED.
How to get PEP
You only get PEP after an assessment by a doctor or a nurse. They will decide if you need it.
You can get PEP from:
- many sexual health and infectious disease services
- an emergency department (ED) - outside of clinic hours
Out-of-hours online PEP assessment
Access a free online PEP assessment within 48 hours of a potential sexual exposure to HIV.
This assessment is for people who think they need PEP out of hours, after a sexual exposure.
You must be age 17 or older to do the assessment.
Do not do the online assessment if your potential exposure was more than 48 hours ago. Go to a public sexual health service or an emergency department (ED).
The assessment determines whether or not you need PEP.
If you need PEP, you will be provided with a referral letter. Take the letter to ED.
With the referral letter you will not be charged the standard €100 ED fee. If you are a non-EU resident, the fee will be reduced by €100.
Emergency action required: Go to your nearest emergency department (ED) if:
- there is an injury requiring urgent medical attention
- it is not possible to get PEP from a public sexual health or infection disease service within 72 hours
You usually have to pay a fee if you attend ED without a referral letter.
Some people can get a referral letter through our online PEP assessment. With the letter you will not be charged the standard fee.
Some people do not have to pay. For example, if you have a medical card.
PEP after sexual assault
Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs) have PEP available if you have experienced a sexual assault. You will be assessed and given PEP if you need it.
PEP if you are exposed to HIV at work
Contact your occupational health department if you may have been exposed to HIV at work.
If your workplace does not have an occupational health department, contact a PEP service.
Side effects of PEP
You may have some side effects, but these usually go away after a few days.
Common side effects include: