PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) — in Croatian poslijeekspozicijska profilaksa — 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 Croatia, it is covered for HZZO insured residents.
🚨 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 | Hospital Emergency Dept (Hitna pomoć or Hitni prijem) | 24/7 capacity. They will assess risk and initiate PEP. |
Major Hospitals
- Zagreb: UHID (Klinika za infektivne bolesti "Dr. Fran Mihaljević") at Mirogojska cesta 8, or KBC Zagreb (Kišpatićeva 12).
- Split: KBC Split (Spinčićeva 1).
- Rijeka: KBC Rijeka (Krešimirova 42).
- Osijek: KB Osijek (Josipa Huttlera 4).
Do not go to your liječnik opće prakse (GP / family doctor). They cannot prescribe PEP. Go directly to the hospital Hitna pomoć.
🗣️ Navigating Triage
At the emergency department, explain the situation clearly. PEP is time-sensitive and you'll be prioritised.
- Use the terminology: "Imao sam rizični kontakt s HIV-om. Trebam PEP." (I had risky contact with HIV. I need PEP.)
- State the timeline: "Bilo je to prije [X] sati." (It was [X] hours ago.)
- Be direct about the exposure: Explain exactly what happened (e.g., receptive anal sex without a condom) to help the doctor assess the risk.
The Starter Pack: The emergency department provides a starter pack of medication (usually the first few days). The follow-up is mandatory. You must attend the outpatient infectious disease clinic (UHID in Zagreb, or your nearest equivalent) before the starter pack runs out to get the full 28-day course.
💊 The Medication: What to Expect
The standard Croatian PEP regimen usually consists of Truvada (or a generic equivalent) taken alongside an integrase inhibitor — typically 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.
💶 Cost
- HZZO insured Croatian residents: PEP is covered; standard hospital co-payments apply.
- EU/EEA visitors with EHIC: Emergency treatment including PEP should be covered.
- No insurance: You will receive a bill; emergency treatment cannot be withheld. Speak to the hospital's social services if cost is a barrier.
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