PEP & Doxy PEP
PEP
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication that helps prevent HIV after potential exposure. It must be started within 72 hours (3 days) of the exposure for maximum effectiveness.
If you think you've recently been exposed to HIV, contact your healthcare provider, an emergency room doctor, or an urgent care provider immediately. Potential exposures include:
- During sex (e.g., if a condom broke)
- Sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment
- Experiencing sexual assault
PEP is safe to use, though some people may experience side effects like nausea, which are usually manageable and not life-threatening.
Starting PEP as soon as possible is crucial—every hour matters. If prescribed, you’ll need to take PEP daily for 28 days.
Doxy PeP
Doxycycline (or "doxy" for short) is a common antibiotic.
Recent studies indicate that taking doxycycline within 72 hours (3 days) after sex can help reduce the risk of acquiring syphilis, chlamydia, and, in some cases, gonorrhea. This approach to prevention is known as doxy PEP.
