HIV: Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
PEP means taking HIV medicines within 72 hours (three days) after a possible exposure to HIV to prevent HIV.
PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. The word “prophylaxis” means to prevent or control the spread of an infection or disease.
PEP should be used only in emergency situations. It is not meant for regular use by people who may be exposed to HIV frequently. PEP is not intended to replace regular use of other HIV prevention methods, such as consistent and proper use of condoms during sex or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
PrEP is different than PEP, in that people at risk for HIV take a specific HIV medicine daily or an injection every two months to prevent getting HIV.
Who should consider taking PEP?
PEP may be prescribed for people who are HIV negative or do not know their HIV status, and who in the last 72 hours:
- May have been exposed to HIV during sex
- Shared needles or other equipment (works) to inject drugs
- Were sexually assaulted
- May have been exposed to HIV at work (occupational exposure)
If you think you were recently exposed to HIV, talk to your health care provider, an agency that provides PEP, or an emergency room doctor about PEP right away.
Where do I get PEP?
If you do not have a doctor or would like to go to a different medical provider to get PEP, see the Wisconsin PEP Providers List, P-01180C, (available in English and Spanish) in Wisconsin. This is a list of providers who are offering PEP and indicated interest in being included on this listing. It is not an exhaustive list of all clinicians providing PEP in Wisconsin. The Department of Health Services does not recommend specific providers.