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 England, it is free on the NHS.
🚨 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (Daytime) | Local GUM / Sexual Health Clinic | Call ahead or walk in. They have specialists and full stock. |
| Evening / Weekend / Bank Holiday | Hospital A&E (Accident & Emergency) | Prepare to wait in triage. Say you need "PEP for sexual exposure." |
| Anytime in London | 56 Dean Street or Mortimer Market | World-class walk-in services specifically designed for sexual health. |
Do not go to your GP. General Practices do not stock PEP. They will simply redirect you to A&E, wasting critical hours in your 72-hour window.
🗣️ Navigating A&E Triage
A&E is a high-pressure, general emergency environment. To ensure you are triaged correctly and efficiently, you need to use clear, explicit language. Do not downplay the risk out of embarrassment; doctors need the facts to prescribe the medication.
- Use the terminology: Say, "I need an emergency assessment for PEPSE" (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis following Sexual Exposure).
- State the timeline: "The exposure was [X] hours ago. I know I have a 72-hour window."
- Be direct about the exposure: State exactly what happened (e.g., receptive anal sex without a condom, partner of unknown HIV status).
The Starter Pack: A&E will often only give you a 3-to-5-day "starter pack" of PEP, though some may give the full course. Regardless of how many pills you receive, you must attend a GUM clinic on the next working day. This is mandatory to get the rest of your medication and to complete vital follow-up blood tests.
💊 The Medication: What to Expect
The standard UK PEP regimen usually consists of Truvada (or a generic equivalent) taken alongside either raltegravir or dolutegravir (Tivicay).
- 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.
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