PrEPMedication.com Emergency information · not a substitute for care
⏱️ Time-critical

Possible HIV exposure? PEP can still stop it — within 72 hours.

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a short course of HIV medicine that can prevent infection after a risky exposure — but it only works if you start it within 72 hours (3 days). The sooner you start, ideally within hours, the better it works.

72hmaximum window to start PEP
after the exposure — don't wait
Where to get PEP now → Is this an exposure?

Do these 3 things now

If your possible exposure was in the last 72 hours, act today — every hour matters.

1

Go now, don't wait

Head to the nearest emergency department (ER), urgent care, or a sexual-health / GUM clinic. Say clearly: "I may have been exposed to HIV and I think I need PEP."

2

Call ahead if you can

Phone the clinic or a PEP hotline first so they have it ready. Bring any details of the exposure and, if known, the other person's HIV status.

3

Start the same day

PEP is a 28-day course of tablets. Take it exactly as prescribed and don't stop early. You'll get a baseline HIV test and follow-up tests.

⚠️ After 72 hours PEP no longer works. If it's been longer, still see a provider promptly — they can test you, treat any STIs, and start you on PrEP to protect you going forward.

Is this an exposure that needs PEP?

PEP is considered when, in the last 72 hours, you may have come into contact with HIV. Common situations:

⚠️ Consider PEP

  • Condomless anal or vaginal sex, or the condom broke/slipped, with a partner who has HIV (not virally suppressed) or whose status you don't know and who may be at high risk.
  • Sexual assault.
  • Shared needles or injecting equipment.
  • A needlestick or blood/fluid exposure (including at work).

✅ Usually no PEP needed

  • Your partner has HIV but is on treatment and undetectable (U=U — effectively no transmission).
  • Kissing, oral sex with no other risk, or contact with intact skin.
  • You were already taking PrEP correctly — you're protected; keep taking it and check in with your provider.

Not sure? Assume it might be and go anyway. A clinician will assess the real risk with you — it's better to be seen and told you don't need PEP than to miss the window.

Where to get PEP

PEP is prescription-only and time-critical. These are the fastest routes:

🏥 Emergency department

Open 24/7 and the surest option after hours or after an assault. They can start PEP immediately and arrange follow-up.

🩺 Sexual-health / GUM / HIV clinic

Often the fastest and most experienced. Many offer same-day PEP; call first.

💻 TelePEP / online services

In many areas, telehealth services can prescribe PEP and arrange local pickup — useful if a clinic isn't nearby.

💊 Some pharmacies

In some countries/states pharmacists can start PEP directly. Ask, or let them point you to the nearest option.

💰 Don't let cost stop you. Emergency PEP is covered by many insurers and assistance programs, and clinics can help. Getting seen within the window matters more than sorting out payment first.

Find help by country

Examples of where to start — always confirm your nearest local service. In any life-threatening emergency call your local emergency number.

🇺🇸 United StatesGo to an ER or sexual-health clinic. Find PEP/PrEP services with the official HIV services locator (locator.hiv.gov). After sexual assault, a national sexual-assault support service can also arrange PEP and care.
🇬🇧 United KingdomGo to a sexual-health / GUM clinic, or A&E out of hours. Use the NHS “find a sexual health clinic” service to locate your nearest option.
🇨🇦 CanadaGo to an ER or sexual-health clinic. Your provincial health line and local public-health unit can direct you to the nearest PEP service.
🇦🇺 AustraliaGo to an ER or sexual-health clinic. State PEP directories (e.g. getpep.info) show where to go quickly.

Local phone numbers vary and change — we’ll add verified hotlines here. For now, your fastest route is the nearest emergency department or sexual-health clinic, or the official directories above.

What to expect on PEP

💊 A 28-day course

Usually a tenofovir/emtricitabine tablet plus an integrase inhibitor (e.g. dolutegravir or raltegravir), once daily for 28 days. Finish the whole course.

🧪 Testing

An HIV test at the start, then again at about 4–6 weeks and 3 months after the exposure to confirm you stayed negative.

🤕 Side effects

Usually mild — nausea, headache, tiredness — and settle. Our symptom map explains what's expected vs. what needs attention.

🛡️ STIs & more

You can be tested/treated for other STIs at the same visit, and offered emergency contraception or assault support if relevant.

Finished PEP? Don't stop protecting yourself.

If you may be exposed again, PrEP is the long-term way to stay HIV-negative — you can often switch straight from PEP to PrEP ("PEP-to-PrEP") with no gap. Compare the options and find what fits you.

See PrEP options →

🔬 Sources & review

✔ Last medically reviewed: 3 July 2026 · Prepmedication.com Medical Review Team · How we review →

Medical disclaimer. This page is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. PEP must be prescribed and supervised by a healthcare professional. If you may have been exposed to HIV, seek care immediately. In a life-threatening emergency, contact your local emergency services.

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