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 the Netherlands, it is available through the GGD or hospital emergency departments.
🚨 Where to Go Right Now
Your route depends entirely on what time it is.
| Time / Day | Where to Go | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (Daytime) | Call your city's GGD | They have a dedicated PEP line or urgent slot system. Phone the GGD before going in (e.g., GGD Amsterdam: 020 555 5822). |
| Evenings / Weekends / Holidays | Go to SEH (Spoedeisende Hulp) | Hospital emergency departments handle PEP outside GGD hours. |
Major Hospitals (SEH)
- Amsterdam: OLVG West (Jan Tooropstraat 164) or Amsterdam UMC / AMC (Meibergdreef 9).
- Rotterdam: Erasmus MC (Dr. Molewaterplein 40).
- The Hague: HMC Westeinde (Lijnbaan 32).
Do not go to the Huisartsenpost (out-of-hours GP) or your huisarts. They cannot dispense HIV medications. You need a hospital with a ziekenhuisapotheek (hospital pharmacy) or the GGD.
🗣️ Navigating Triage
Whether at GGD or hospital, a doctor will assess your exposure.
- Use the terminology: "Ik heb risico gelopen op HIV-besmetting en ik heb PEP nodig." (I've been at risk of HIV infection and I need PEP.)
- State the timeline: "Binnen 72 uur" (Within 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) and whether the partner is known HIV positive or of unknown status.
The Starter Pack: The SEH or GGD 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 Dutch 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
- Via GGD: Free.
- Via hospital SEH: Covered by your basisverzekering (basic insurance), but it comes out of your Eigen Risico (deductible). The full course costs approximately €700–900 at retail price, but is billed to insurance as emergency care.
- EU/EEA visitors with EHIC: Emergency care is covered.
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