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, but the sooner you start it, the more effective it is. In Northern Ireland, it is free through HSCNI.
🚨 Where to Go Right Now
Your route depends entirely on the time of day. Do not wait for an appointment slot.
| Time / Day | Where to Go | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (Daytime) | Local HSC Trust GUM Clinic | Call the Belfast GUM (028 9615 2111) or your nearest clinic immediately. They will fast-track you. |
| Evening / Weekend / Bank Holiday | Hospital A&E (Emergency Department) | Go to the Royal Victoria Hospital A&E in Belfast, or your nearest hospital A&E. Prepare to wait in triage. |
| Unsure where to go? | Call GP Out of Hours | If you are unsure, check NI Direct or call your local GP Out of Hours service. (Do not rely on NHS 111 for PEP routing in NI). |
Do not go to your GP. General Practices do not stock PEP. They will simply redirect you to A&E, wasting critical hours in your 72-hour window.
🗣️ Navigating A&E Triage
A&E is a high-pressure, general emergency environment. To ensure you are triaged correctly, use clear language.
- Use the terminology: Say, "I need an emergency assessment for PEPSE" (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis following Sexual Exposure).
- State the timeline: "The exposure was [X] hours ago. I know I have a 72-hour window."
- Be direct about the exposure: State exactly what happened (e.g., receptive anal sex without a condom).
The Starter Pack: A&E will often only give you a 3-to-5-day "starter pack" of PEP. You must attend a GUM clinic on the next working day. This is mandatory to get the rest of your medication and to complete vital follow-up blood tests.
💊 The Medication: What to Expect
The standard UK PEP regimen usually consists of Truvada (or a generic equivalent) taken alongside either raltegravir or dolutegravir.
- It is a strict regimen: PEP is a mandatory 28-day course. You cannot miss doses.
- Side effects are manageable: You may experience nausea, fatigue, or diarrhea. The clinic will often prescribe anti-sickness medication alongside your PEP.
- Do not stop: Never stop taking PEP without speaking to a doctor first.
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