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 the UK, 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 for this. |
Do not go to your GP. General Practices do not stock PEP and will simply redirect you to A&E, wasting critical hours.
🗣️ What to Say at A&E Triage
A&E receptionists and triage nurses deal with broken arms and heart attacks. They are not always sexual health specialists. You need to be explicit and use the correct NHS terminology so you are triaged correctly.
- Use the acronym: 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 risk: Tell the doctor exactly what happened (e.g., receptive anal sex without a condom, partner of unknown HIV status). Do not downplay it out of embarrassment. They need the facts to prescribe the medication.
The Starter Pack: A&E will usually only give you a 3-to-5-day "starter pack" of PEP. You must then attend a GUM clinic on the next working day to get the rest of the 28-day course and follow-up blood tests.
💊 The Reality of the Medication
The UK standard PEP regimen is usually Truvada (or generic equivalent) plus Tivicay (dolutegravir).
- It is not a morning-after pill: It is a strict 28-day regimen. You cannot miss doses.
- Side effects: You may experience nausea, fatigue, or diarrhea. The clinic will often prescribe anti-sickness medication alongside it. Do not stop taking PEP without speaking to a doctor.
Related: