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 Hungary, PEP is generally not free and must be paid for out-of-pocket.
🚨 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 in Budapest | Szent László Kórház (Ambulancia) | 24/7 capacity at the national centre for HIV. |
| Outside Budapest | Sürgősségi (Hospital ER) | Ask for the infectious disease on-call doctor (ügyeletes infektológus). |
Major Hospitals
- Budapest: Szent László Kórház (Albert Flórián út 5-7, District X).
- Debrecen: Kenézy Gyula Campuskórház.
- Pécs: Pécsi Tudományegyetem Klinikai Központ.
- Győr: Petz Aladár Egyetemi Oktató Kórház.
- Miskolc: Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén Megyei Központi Kórház.
Do not go to your háziorvos (GP / family doctor). They cannot prescribe PEP. Go directly to Szent László Kórház in Budapest or the nearest kórház sürgősségi (hospital emergency department).
🗣️ Navigating Triage
At the emergency department, state your needs clearly so they can assess the risk properly.
- Use the terminology: "HIV expozíció történt. PEP-et kérek." (HIV exposure happened. I am requesting PEP.)
- State the timeline: Tell them exactly how many hours ago the exposure occurred.
- Be direct about the exposure: Be specific about the type of contact (e.g., receptive anal sex without a condom) to establish urgency.
The Starter Pack: The hospital will issue you a starter pack and prescription. The follow-up is mandatory. You must complete the full 28-day course. Missing days or stopping early means the course does not protect you.
💊 The Medication: What to Expect
The standard Hungarian PEP regimen usually consists of Truvada (or a generic equivalent) taken alongside an integrase inhibitor.
- 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
PEP is not free in Hungary unless the exposure is classified as an occupational accident (e.g., needle stick in healthcare).
- Expect to pay approximately 50,000–80,000 HUF for the 28-day medication course.
- This is paid at the hospital pharmacy when you receive your starter pack. Bring a card or cash.
- Some private insurance policies cover this — check yours.
- Do not let cost stop you. PEP courses have been provided on flexible arrangements in some cases; explain your situation if cost is a barrier.
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