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.
Exposure may follow a sexual contact or a needle-stick 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
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 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: