What Is PEP? Think Emergency Contraception, but for HIV Prevention
We all know about emergency contraception– also referred to as the morning-after pill, EC, and most commonly by the brand Plan B. Maybe you’ve taken it, maybe you’ve bought it for someone or maybe you’ve just seen it at the store. In any case, you know it’s out there for you when you need a Plan B! Now imagine that same idea, but for HIV. That’s PEP: Post-Exposure Prophylaxis.
HIV is a sexually transmitted infection that attacks our immune system, and PrEP is a daily medication that prevents HIV, similarly to birth control.. But what happens after possible exposure? That’s where PEP comes in. Just like the morning – after pill allows for people to have a second chance to prevent pregnancy, PEP gives you a second chance to prevent HIV.
PEP and the Morning After Pill : More Alike Than You Think
Imagine this, something happens: maybe a condom breaks, maybe you weren’t able to plan ahead, and now you are worried about HIV exposure. The first thing is to remember that there are options, and that you have time-72 hours to be exact!
PEP is a medication you can take after a possible exposure to prevent HIV infection. It works by stopping the infection’s ability to replicate and spread during the small window after exposure.
Does this sound familiar? That’s right! It is similar to how the morning- after pill works, which can be taken after unprotected sex, in a limited window of time (72-120 hours depending on the method).Visit our birth control options landing page to learn more about emergency contraceptive pills and the IUD .
How do you take PEP?
PEP is an oral HIV medication that is taken for 28 days. This sounds like a lot more work than EC, but it’s a similar concept; ; you take it consistently, finish the course, and it will work on protecting you.
The most important piece is to know that time is everything. PEP is most effective when started within 24 hours of a possible exposure and it must be started within 72 hours after exposure, otherwise it won’t work.
PEP does require a prescription, so you can get it from:
- Your Primary Care Provider
- Urgent Care Clinic
- Emergency Room
If you can’t reach your regular doctor quickly, head to an urgent care or an ER, but don’t wait. The clock starts at the moment of exposure.
Looking to get a prescription but don’t know where to go? Visit our provider finder (Click Here!) to locate a health center in your area! We can help connect you to PEP, STI testing, HIV testing and more!
From PEP to PrEP
If you have needed PEP, it might be helpful to have a conversation with your provider about PrEP. PrEP is the daily medication that prevents HIV before exposure. Think of it like going from the morning after pill to regular birth control. It’s a proactive step for any individual who wants protection. Want to learn more? Check out our latest blog post!( Read here!)
Finding Care and Coverage
Accessing care and coverage should never be a barrier for you! Did you know if you live in Illinois, you may qualify for the HFS Family Planning Program, a free partial benefit program that covers many services like HIV testing, PrEP, PEP, and birth control at no cost to you. Want to see if you’re eligible? Take our eligibility quiz here.
If it’s so good, why haven’t you heard of it
So you can locate it, pay for it and use it. Why haven’t you heard of it? Here’s the truth. PEP works, it’s available, and yet 1 in 3 people who are eligible won’t receive a prescription for it. Why?
A lot of it is due to stigma. HIV is still widely, and wrongly, seen as something that only affects gay or bisexual men (you can read more about it here ). That misconception means that women, and others who don’t fall under that category, are often left out of the convo. Sometimes providers don’t think to offer it and patients don’t know to ask for it.
Stigma is a real barrier that stops too many people from accessing a medication that could change their lives. Don’t let that be you! PEP is meant to protect you, if you think you have been exposed don’t wait! Contact your provider, urgent care, or emergency room within 72 hours and ask for PEP!
The truth is that anyone who has sex can be exposed to HIV. So let’s make this clear: PEP is for everyone.
