PEP (Profilaksa po izpostavljenosti — PPI in Slovenian) 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 Slovenia, PEP is free for ZZZS-insured patients and generally available for EU/EEA visitors with EHIC.
🚨 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 | Urgenca (emergency department) at UKC Ljubljana | 24/7 capacity. They will assess risk and initiate PEP. |
Major Hospitals
- Ljubljana (Primary): UKC Ljubljana — Klinika za infekcijske bolezni in vročinska stanja (Japljeva ulica 2). The Infekcijska klinika has 24-hour urgent care specifically for HIV and infectious disease emergencies.
- Ljubljana (Alternative): UKC Ljubljana — General Urgenca (Zaloška cesta 2). The main hospital A&E will direct you to the infectious disease team or initiate PEP.
Do not go to your osebni zdravnik (GP / personal doctor). They cannot prescribe PEP. Go directly to UKC Ljubljana's Infekcijska klinika urgenca or the nearest hospital urgenca.
🗣️ Navigating Triage
At the Urgenca, explain the situation clearly.
- Use the terminology: "Imel/a sem tvegan spolni stik za HIV in potrebujem profilakso po izpostavljenosti." (I had a risky sexual contact for HIV and I need post-exposure prophylaxis). Or simply: "Potrebujem PEP za HIV."
- State the timeline: "Minilo je manj kot 72 ur." (It has been less than 72 hours). 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 hospital 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.
💊 The Medication: What to Expect
The standard Slovenian 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
- ZZZS-insured residents: Free.
- EU/EEA visitors with EHIC: Receive care on the same terms as Slovenian nationals — PEP should be free.
- Non-EU visitors: May face an administrative charge, but PEP is not withheld for cost reasons at UKC.
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