PEP How to Take It, When to Use It, and Why Timing Matters

PEP, or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, is an emergency antiretroviral medication used after a potential exposure to HIV—such as having unprotected sex, experiencing sexual assault, or encountering a needle-stick injury, particularly among healthcare workers. However, taking PEP must follow strict medical guidelines and a clear understanding of the process to ensure safety and effectiveness.

A key condition for starting PEP is that the person must test HIV-negative before beginning the medication. In other words, they must not already be infected with HIV. If PEP is taken without confirming this, and the person is already HIV-positive, it could lead to drug resistance and reduce treatment effectiveness. Therefore, HIV testing is essential before starting the medication.

Once a healthcare provider determines that PEP is appropriate, the individual must take the medication every day for 28 consecutive days without missing a dose. The effectiveness of PEP depends heavily on adherence. Missing even one dose can reduce its ability to prevent HIV infection.

After completing the full 28-day course, the individual should return for a follow-up HIV test to confirm that no infection has occurred. This is important because HIV may not show up in tests immediately after exposure.

PEP must always be taken under medical supervision. It should never be self-administered or purchased without proper guidance, as doing so may pose health risks and undermine the protective effect of the treatment.

Access to PEP is a critical part of healthcare that everyone should be entitled to equally and without discrimination. In moments of risk, people deserve the option to protect their health and their lives, not to be left alone with uncertainty and fear.

At Mplus Phitsanulok, we are here to support you through every step of accessing PEP from risk assessment and HIV testing, to medication access and post-treatment follow-up. Because your health is our shared responsibility.