PEP (Post-Expositionsprofylax) 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 Sweden, PEP is free under the Smittskyddslagen (Communicable Diseases Act).
🚨 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 | Infektionsakuten (Infectious Disease Emergency) or nearest Akutmottagning | 24/7 capacity. They will assess risk and initiate PEP. |
Major Hospitals
- Stockholm: Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge (Blickagången 9C). This is the primary infectious disease emergency in the Stockholm region.
- Stockholm (Alternatives): Södersjukhuset Akutmottagning (Sjukhusbacken 10) or Karolinska, Solna Akutmottagning (Eugeniavägen 3).
Do not go to your husläkare / vårdcentral (GP / primary care centre). They cannot prescribe PEP outside of scheduled care. Go directly to the Infektionsakuten or Akutmottagning. Do not call 1177 and wait — go immediately.
🗣️ Navigating Triage
At the Akuten/Infektionsakuten, explain the situation clearly.
- Use the terminology: "Jag behöver PEP efter en HIV-riskexponering." (I need PEP after an HIV risk exposure).
- State the timeline: "Jag hade sex utan kondom för [x] timmar sedan." (I had unprotected sex [x] hours ago). Tell them exactly how long ago it 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 emergency department will issue a starter pack or prescription. The follow-up is mandatory. You must complete all 28 days of the daily course. Do not miss doses or stop early. Venhälsan is the best place to discuss follow-up care in Stockholm.
💊 The Medication: What to Expect
The standard Swedish 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
- Residents: Under Smittskyddslagen, HIV-related care — including PEP — is exempt from the standard patient fee (patientavgift). You should not be charged.
- EU/EEA visitors with EHIC: Treatment is free.
- Non-EU visitors: Emergency PEP should still be provided; there may be an administrative charge, but Swedish hospitals do not refuse life-saving HIV prevention on cost grounds.
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