PrEP & PEP for HIV Prevention

Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV Prevention

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) is a medication for people without HIV who are at very high risk for contracting HIV from sex or injection drug use. If the PrEP medication is used as prescribed, it is highly effective for preventing HIV.

Is PrEP right for you? You should consider taking PrEP if you test negative for HIV and you:

• Have had anal or vaginal sex and you:
  • have a sexual partner living with HIV
  • Have not consistently used a condom or other barrier methods
  • Have been diagnosed with an STI in the past
• Inject drugs and you:
  • Have an injection partner living with HIV
  • Share needles or equipment to inject drugs

Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV Prevention

Post-exposure prophylaxis (or PEP) is a medication for people who've been or may have been exposed to HIV. In emergency situations, PEP is taken within 72 hours (3 days) after possible exposure. PEP is for people who have tested negative for HIV but have been exposed. Start PEP as soon as possible after exposure to give it the best change of working.

PEP is for people who don't have HIV, but may have been exposed:

• during sex
• at work through a needlestick or other injury*
• by sharing needles or injection drug equipment 

*If you are exposed at work through a needlestick or other injury, please report to your employer or visit the nearest Emergency Department.

Additional Resources

• HIVinfo.nih.gov