PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an emergency 28-day course of HIV medication that can prevent HIV infection if taken shortly after a high-risk exposure (such as a broken condom or bareback sex). It must be started as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, and absolutely no later than 72 hours.
Do not wait. Every hour counts.
🏃 Where to Go Right Now
In Cyprus, emergency PEP is dispensed through the public hospital system.
| Time / Day | Where to go |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday (Morning) | Go directly to a specialized HIV clinic if possible, such as the Grigorios Clinic at Larnaca General Hospital or the infectious disease unit at Nicosia General Hospital. |
| Nights, Weekends, Holidays | Go immediately to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department of the nearest public hospital (e.g., Nicosia General, Larnaca General, Limassol General, Paphos General). |
When you arrive at A&E, you must be clear that this is a time-sensitive emergency.
What to Say
Speak to the triage nurse at the desk immediately. If you prefer not to explain the details in a crowded waiting room, you can write this down or show them your phone:
English: "I need emergency PEP medication for HIV exposure. The exposure happened [number] hours ago. I am still within the 72-hour window."
Greek: "Χρειάζομαι επειγόντως φαρμακευτική αγωγή PEP για πιθανή έκθεση στον HIV. Η έκθεση συνέβη πριν από [number] ώρες. Βρίσκομαι ακόμα εντός του παραθύρου των 72 ωρών." (Chreiazomai epeigontos farmakeftiki agogi PEP gia pithani ekthesi ston HIV...)
💶 Cost and Access
- The Medication: The PEP medication itself is provided free of charge by the Cypriot health system.
- Consultation/A&E Fee: Depending on your residency status and GeSY enrollment, you may be required to pay a standard hospital registration or A&E fee (usually ranging from €10 to €30).
🔄 The Starter Pack and Follow-Up
If you visit an A&E department during the night or weekend, the emergency doctor will assess your risk. If they prescribe PEP, you will likely be given a starter pack (a few days' worth of pills) from the hospital pharmacy.
This is not the full course.
Before leaving the hospital, you must ask the doctor exactly how and where to get the rest of the 28-day course. You will usually be referred to the Grigorios Clinic in Larnaca or the specialist clinic in Nicosia the next working day to undergo full baseline blood testing and receive the remainder of the medication.
Do not skip the follow-up appointment. If you run out of the starter pack pills, the treatment will fail.
📞 Need Help?
If you are confused, face resistance at the hospital, or need urgent advice on navigating the system, you can contact the Cyprus PrEP Point (run by the AIDS Solidarity Movement) at +357 99 607 005. They are experienced in helping men navigate emergency sexual health crises in Cyprus.
This page explains how to get PEP in Cyprus. To understand how the medication actually works in your body, side effects, and the science behind the 72-hour window, read the General Guide to PEP Mechanics.
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