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 Ireland, it is provided free of charge.
🚨 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 Public STI Clinic (e.g., GUIDE Clinic, GMHS) | Call ahead and state it is an emergency. They will prioritize you. |
| Evening / Weekend / Bank Holiday | Hospital A&E (Emergency Department) | Expect to wait in triage. 24/7 capacity. |
Major Options
- Dublin: GUIDE Clinic (St James's Hospital) or GMHS.
- Outside Dublin: Any major public hospital A&E or local STI clinic.
Do not go to a standard GP. General Practitioners do not stock PEP medication and will simply redirect you to A&E, wasting critical hours of your 72-hour window.
🗣️ Navigating Triage
A&E departments are incredibly busy. You need to be explicit so the triage nurse understands this is a time-sensitive sexual health emergency, not a minor injury.
- Use the terminology: "I need an assessment for PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) following a sexual exposure."
- State the timeline: "The exposure was [X] hours ago. I know I have a 72-hour window."
- Be direct about the exposure: Do not downplay it out of embarrassment. Tell them exactly what happened (e.g., receptive anal sex without a condom). They need the clinical facts to justify prescribing the medication.
The Starter Pack: A&E will usually give you a "starter pack" of PEP medication (enough for 3 to 5 days). The follow-up is mandatory. They will refer you to the local STI clinic (like the GUIDE Clinic) on the next working day to get the prescription for the remainder of the 28-day course.
💊 The Medication: What to Expect
The standard Irish 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
In Ireland, PEP medication and the associated clinic/A&E visits for sexual exposure are free of charge in the public health system, regardless of insurance status.
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