HIV-Post Exposure Prophylaxis and PrEP
HIV-Post Exposure Prophylaxis
What is PEP?
PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV) is a 4 week course of pills you can take if you have had a significant risk of exposure to HIV. The medication may stop you becoming infected with HIV. If you think you have been exposed to HIV you can reduce your risk of becoming infected by taking post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) which is a 4 week course of medication. PEP should be started as soon as possible because evidence suggests it is most effective when started within a few hours of exposure to HIV. PEP will not be given if it is more than 72 hours (3 days) since you think you have been at risk of HIV.
Where do I get PEP?
You can access PEP by phoning Ayrshire and Arran’s sexual health services on 01294 323226. A nurse will ask you some questions to find out if PEP is suitable for you and will give you an appointment if required.
If the sexual health department is closed please attend the Accident and Emergency department at
- University Hospital Crosshouse, Kilmarnock Rd, Crosshouse, Kilmarnock KA2 0BE or
- University Hospital Ayr, Dalmellington Rd, Ayr KA6 6DX
- Regular family doctors (GPs) do not prescribe PEP
PEP can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after sexual exposure but is more likely to be effective within 24 hours (1 day) so it’s important to act very quickly.
How long do you have to take PEP?
The PEP course of pills lasts 4 weeks. It is important not to miss any tablets and to take the tablets at the specified times.
Does Pep have side effects?
You may have some side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, tiredness. Your healthcare professional will discuss with you prior to prescribing PEP. You will need to have some blood tests during the PEP course to monitor its effects on your body.
Click here for NHS inform information.
Click here for community language access information.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
PrEP is a medication that can be taken by anyone who is HIV negative to lower their risk of HIV infection. PrEP is for anyone irrespective of their gender and sexuality. PrEP is prescribed to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria (HIV PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) | NHS inform), as assessed by a sexual health professional.
How does it work?
PrEP is a combination of two medicines taken as one pill. It prevents HIV infection by stopping HIV genes from getting into Human DNA. PrEP needs to be taken regularly and consistently to prevent infection.
How do I get PrEP?
If you think PrEP is right for you book an appointment and speak to us about starting PrEP.
What does taking PrEP involve?
There are two ways you can take HIV PrEP, called ‘daily dosing’ and ‘event-based dosing’(not suitable for women). You can change between daily and event-based dosing, but speak to us first. For more information visit www.prep.scot.
Does PrEP stop me getting any other infections?
HIV PrEP only protects you from the sexual transmission of HIV. PrEP does not protect you from other sexually transmitted infections. There has been a rise of other STIs in Ayrshire and Arran. They are much more common than HIV. We there for ask recommend regular testing.
You are at risk of other sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia. The most effective protection is still consistent condom use. Click here to get free condoms.
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