PEP (Profilaxia Pós-Exposição — PPE in Portuguese) 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 Portugal, PEP is free for SNS users and usually free or very low cost for visitors.
🚨 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 | Urgência (emergency department) of a major hospital | 24/7 capacity. They will assess risk and initiate PEP. |
| Unsure? | Call SNS 24: 808 24 24 24 | They can direct you to the right hospital. |
Major Hospitals
- Lisbon: Hospital Curry Cabral (Rua da Beneficência 8). This is the main referral hospital for infectious diseases. Alternatives: Hospital São José or Hospital Santa Maria.
- Porto: Hospital São João (Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro). Alternative: Hospital Santo António.
Do not go to your médico de família (GP) or a regular pharmacy. GPs cannot prescribe PEP and pharmacies do not stock it. Go directly to the hospital Urgência.
🗣️ Navigating Triage
At the Urgência (triage / triagem), explain the situation clearly.
- Use the terminology: "Tive uma exposição de risco ao VIH e preciso de profilaxia pós-exposição." (I had a risk exposure to HIV and I need post-exposure prophylaxis). Or simply: "Estou em risco de VIH. Preciso de PEP."
- State the timeline: Tell them exactly how many hours ago the exposure was.
- 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 hospital will give you either a starter pack (a few days of medication) or the full 28-day course. If you receive only a starter pack, the follow-up is mandatory. You will need a follow-up appointment (GAT or the hospital's Doenças Infecciosas team) to complete the course.
💊 The Medication: What to Expect
The standard Portuguese 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
- Portuguese SNS utente: Free.
- EU/EEA with EHIC: Free or minimal administrative charge.
- Tourist without EHIC: Usually free; possibly a small fee. Portugal's infectious disease protocols mean hospitals rarely refuse PEP for cost reasons.
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