PrEP and PEP are two different medicines that help prevent you from getting HIV. PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. Their names are similar, but there are key differences between them:
PrEP and PEP are taken at different times:
- PrEP is a pill you take every day or a shot you get every 2 months to help prevent HIV.
- PEP is a short term, emergency medicine that you take after being exposed to HIV to prevent you from getting it. In order for PEP to work, it must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) after your possible HIV exposure, and then taken 1 or 2 times daily for the next 28 days.
PrEP can be more effective than PEP:
- If you use it correctly (on time, every time), PrEP can:
- Lower your chances of getting HIV from sex by up to 99%.
- Lower your chances of getting HIV from injection drug use by at least 74%.
- PEP isn’t 100% effective, and it won't prevent future HIV infections like PrEP can. So it’s important to keep protecting yourself and others from HIV while you’re on PEP by using condoms or taking PrEP.
Which one should I use, PEP or PrEP?
- You can use PrEP if you’re sexually active and don't have HIV. The best way to find out if PrEP is right for you is by talking to a nurse or doctor, like the ones at your nearest Planned Parenthood health center.
- Use PEP if you think you may have been exposed to HIV in the last 3 days. You can talk to a nurse or doctor, like the ones at your nearest Planned Parenthood health center to see if PEP is right for you. They can also help you understand if you might have been exposed to HIV and answer any questions or concerns you might have.
Where can I get PrEP or PEP?
- You can get PrEP from some health clinics, your nearest Planned Parenthood health center, your local health department, or doctors’ office.
- If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, you’re going to want to take PEP as soon as possible to prevent it. The quickest way you can get PEP will be from your nearest emergency room. PEP might also be available at some health clinics, your nearest Planned Parenthood health center, or your doctors’ office. Call first to make sure they have PEP in stock.
How much do PrEP and PEP cost? Are they covered by my insurance?
- The cost of PrEP varies depending on where you live and your insurance coverage. PrEP is covered by many insurance programs and you may also qualify for a program that can help you pay for PrEP.
- Much like PrEP, the cost of PEP varies depending on where you live and your insurance. Call your nearest Planned Parenthood health center for help figuring out how much PEP will cost.