PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a 28-day course of emergency HIV medication. It must be started within 72 hours of a high-risk exposure (e.g., a condom breaking with a partner of unknown status). In Finland, PEP is provided free of charge by the public healthcare system.

🚨 Where to Go Right Now

Do not wait for a terveysasema (health station) appointment. Health stations do not stock PEP and cannot help you.

Call 116 117 first. This is the free, 24/7 national medical helpline. Tell them you have had a high-risk sexual exposure and need PEP. They will direct you to the correct emergency department (päivystys). Do not just show up at a random hospital without calling this number first, as not all emergency rooms handle PEP.

Helsinki & Uusimaa (HUS)

In the Helsinki region, PEP is primarily handled by the Haartman Hospital Emergency Department (Haartmanin sairaalan päivystys) or Jorvi Hospital in Espoo.

Outside Helsinki

In Tampere, Turku, Oulu, and Kuopio, PEP is administered through the emergency departments of the University Hospitals (Tays, Tyks, OYS, KYS). Again, call 116 117 to be routed correctly.

🗣️ What to Say at the Emergency Department

Emergency rooms in Finland are incredibly busy. You must be direct so the triage nurse understands this is a time-sensitive issue.

  1. State your need: "I need an assessment for PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) following a sexual exposure."
  2. State your timeline: "The exposure happened [X] hours ago. I know I am inside the 72-hour window."
  3. State the risk: Tell the doctor exactly what happened (e.g., receptive anal sex without a condom). They will use this information to determine if PEP is medically justified. If the partner's status is known to be HIV-positive but Undetectable (U=U), PEP is not required.

The Starter Pack: The emergency department will usually give you a "starter pack" of pills (usually 3 to 5 days' worth) to get you protected immediately. They will then refer you to the infectious diseases outpatient clinic (infektiopoliklinikka) to receive the rest of the 28-day course.

💊 The Reality of the Medication

  • It is a strict 28-day regimen. You cannot miss doses.
  • You may experience side effects like nausea, fatigue, or an upset stomach. Do not stop taking the medication without speaking to a doctor.

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