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PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is an antiretroviral treatment that can be used in emergency situations following exposure to risk, such as unprotected sex or condom breakage.

It is important to remember that, like PrEP, this prophylaxis should not replace preventive behaviors and should only be used as an emergency measure.

Fire extinguisher on a red wall representing Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

Índice

  1. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
  2. How does PEP work?
  3. Where can you access PEP?
    1. Risks and Side Effects of PEP

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a treatment with antiretroviral medications that should be started immediately after potential HIV exposure, whether through unprotected vaginal or anal sex, or in cases of condom breakage or slippage.

This emergency medication can prevent HIV from multiplying and establishing itself in the body, thereby avoiding infection.

How does PEP work?

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is part of the HIV prevention strategy by the National Coordination for HIV/AIDS. This prophylaxis can be administered when there is a risk of HIV infection in occupational settings, such as:

  • Healthcare professionals who suffer needlestick injuries or cuts from sharp objects potentially contaminated with infectious fluids (such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or other fluids like cerebrospinal fluid);

  • Bites that cause bleeding from HIV-infected patients, where blood is visible in the mouth;

  • Blood splashes onto mucous membranes such as eyes, mouth, or nose;

  • Contact of cracked skin with an open wound or abrasion with infected blood.

PEP can also be administered in non-occupational contexts, meaning in any accidental or isolated incident involving contact with blood, semen, or vaginal secretions, including:

  • Unprotected sexual activity or cases where a condom accidentally broke;

  • Situations involving the sharing of equipment for intravenous drug use or sharp instruments, such as needles, in aesthetic procedures or hormone treatments;

  • Accidental needle sticks or bites.

Where can you access PEP?

To access this medication, you should go to the emergency unit of a nearby central hospital, where you will be referred to an infectious disease doctor who will assess your situation and determine whether PEP is appropriate. You should provide as much information as possible about the incident.

If you have questions about accessing the national health system (SNS), check our dedicated page.

For PEP to be effective, you should follow these guidelines:

  1. Go to a hospital as urgently as possible. This medication should be started as soon as possible and no later than 48 hours after the risk exposure;
  2. Follow your doctor's instructions and take the medicine until it is finished. Typically, PEP is taken for one month;
  3. Attend all follow-up tests. The doctor will prescribe blood tests at the end of the treatment to confirm that you were not infected with HIV and to check that your liver and kidneys are functioning properly.

Risks and Side Effects of PEP

Like many medications, PEP can cause mild and temporary side effects, especially during the initial phase of treatment. These may include:

  • Diarrhea and stomach pain

  • Headaches

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Fatigue

In some cases, these side effects may persist throughout the treatment and can become more severe. In such situations, the doctor should be informed, as they can prescribe medications to help alleviate some of the symptoms.

It is important to take the medication as prescribed and at the correct times to prevent the development of drug resistance and to ensure the treatment remains effective.