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 break with a partner of unknown status), but the sooner you start it, the more effective it is. In Finland, PEP is provided free of charge by the public healthcare system.
🚨 Where to Go Right Now
Do not wait for a convenient appointment. Your route depends entirely on the time of day.
| Time / Day | Where to Go | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Anytime | Call 116 117 first (national medical helpline) | They will direct you to the correct emergency department (päivystys). |
Major Hospitals
- Helsinki region (HUS): Haartman Hospital Emergency Department (Haartmanin sairaalan päivystys) or Jorvi Hospital in Espoo.
- Outside Helsinki: Emergency departments of University Hospitals (Tays, Tyks, OYS, KYS).
Do not go to a terveysasema (health station). Health stations do not stock PEP and cannot help you. Do not just show up at a random hospital without calling 116 117 first, as not all emergency rooms handle PEP.
🗣️ Navigating Triage
Emergency rooms in Finland are incredibly busy. You must be direct so the triage nurse understands this is a time-sensitive issue.
- Use the terminology: "I need an assessment for PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) following a sexual exposure."
- State the timeline: "The exposure happened [X] hours ago."
- Be direct about the exposure: 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.
The Starter Pack: The emergency department will usually give you a "starter pack" of pills (usually 3 to 5 days' worth). The follow-up is mandatory. They will refer you to the infectious diseases outpatient clinic (infektiopoliklinikka) to receive the rest of the 28-day course.
💊 The Medication: What to Expect
The standard Finnish PEP regimen usually consists of Truvada (or a generic equivalent) taken alongside an integrase inhibitor.
- It is a strict regimen: PEP is not a morning-after pill. It is a mandatory 28-day course, and you cannot miss doses.
- Side effects are manageable: You may experience nausea, fatigue, or diarrhea, though not everyone does. The clinic will often prescribe anti-sickness medication alongside your PEP.
- Do not stop: Never stop taking PEP without speaking to a doctor first.
💶 Cost
PEP is provided free of charge by the public healthcare system. Emergency care is guaranteed.
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