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 Wales, 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 LHB 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." |
| Unsure where to go? | Call 111 Wales | NHS 111 Wales (111.wales.nhs.uk) will direct you to the nearest open service with PEP. |
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.
Cardiff Emergencies
If you are in Cardiff, the primary emergency center is the University Hospital of Wales (UHW). During clinic hours, visit the Department of Sexual Health. Out of hours, present to UHW A&E.
🗣️ 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.
- 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. 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 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. 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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