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). In Scotland, it is free on the NHS.
🚨 Where to Go Right Now
Your route depends on the time of day. Do not wait for an appointment slot to open up online.
| Time / Day | Where to Go | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (Daytime) | Local Health Board Sexual Health Clinic | Contact Sandyford (Glasgow), Chalmers (Edinburgh), or your local clinic. Call their triage line immediately. |
| Evening / Weekend / Bank Holiday | Hospital A&E (Emergency Department) | Prepare to wait in triage. Say you need "PEP for sexual exposure." |
| Unsure where to go? | Call NHS 24 on 111 | NHS 24 will direct you to the nearest open service carrying PEP stock. |
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 environment. To ensure you are triaged correctly and efficiently, you need to use clear, explicit language.
- 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).
The Starter Pack: A&E will often only give you a 3-to-5-day "starter pack" of PEP. You must attend a sexual health 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.
- It is a strict regimen: PEP is a mandatory 28-day course. You cannot miss doses.
- Side effects are manageable: You may experience nausea, fatigue, or diarrhea. 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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