Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
What is PEP?
PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. It means taking antiretroviral medicines (ART) after being potentially exposed to HIV to prevent becoming infected.
PEP must be started within 72 hours after a recent possible exposure to HIV, but the sooner you start PEP, the better. Every hour counts. If you’re prescribed PEP, you’ll need to take it once or twice daily for 28 days. PEP is effective in preventing HIV when administered correctly, but not 100%.
Is PEP right for me?
If you’re HIV-negative or don’t know your HIV status, and in the last 72 hours you
think you may have been exposed to HIV during sex (for example, if the condom broke),
shared needles and works to prepare drugs (for example, cotton, cookers, water), or
were sexually assaulted,
If you are in Phuket please come to talk to our doctor at Nanai clinic about PEP right away. (+66931251186)
PEP is effective, but not 100%, so you should continue to use condoms with sex partners and safe injection practices while taking PEP. These strategies can protect you from being exposed to HIV again and reduce the chances of transmitting HIV to others if you do become infected while you’re on PEP.
When should I take PEP?
PEP must be started within 72 hours after a possible exposure. The sooner you start PEP, the better; every hour counts.
Starting PEP as soon as possible after a potential HIV exposure is important. Research has shown that PEP has little or no effect in preventing HIV infection if it is started later than 72 hours after HIV exposure.
If you’re prescribed PEP, you’ll need to take it once or twice daily for 28 days.
Does PEP have any side effects?
PEP is safe but may cause side effects like nausea in some people. These side effects can be treated and aren’t life-threatening.
Where can I get PEP?
At Nanai clinic, our doctor can prescribe PEP. Talk to us right away if you think you’ve recently been exposed to HIV.
How can I get for PEP at Nanai clinic?
If you’re prescribed PEP for another reason and you cannot get insurance coverage (Medicaid, Medicare, private, or employer-based), At Nanai clinic, Our doctor can prescribe PEP for you.
Tenofovir combined with either Tenofovir (TDF) and emtricitabine (FTC) as preferred backbone drugs and these are also the preferred drugs for treating HIV. The recommended third drug, which is also recommended by WHO and CDC as a preferred drug for HIV treatment, will be chosen by our doctor.
The usual costs invovled are:
1. Consultation 800 THB
2. Rapid HIV test 500 THB
3. Rapid Hepatitis B virus test 500 THB
4. PEP Medications
- Teno-Em +Edurant1 2,980 THB
- Truvada +Edurant2 7,480 THB
5. Treatment for possible sexually transmitted infections (additional cost)
Can I take a round of PEP every time I have unprotected sex?
PEP should be used only in emergency situations.
PEP is not the right choice for people who may be exposed to HIV frequently—for example, if you often have sex without a condom with a partner who is HIV-positive. Because PEP is given after a potential exposure to HIV, more drugs and higher doses are needed to block infection than with PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis. PrEP is when people at high risk for HIV take HIV medicines (sold under the brand name Truvada) daily to lower their chances of getting HIV. If you are at ongoing risk for HIV, speak to your doctor about PrEP. Also, read our Q&As on PrEP.
