• PrEP is a daily prescription medication taken by people who are HIV-negative to help prevent HIV infection before exposure. 

• PrEP doesn’t protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy, so it’s important to use condoms and practice other safe sex measures alongside it. 

PrEP is recommended for those who may be at higher risk of contracting HIV, such as people who: 

• Don’t always use condoms during sex. 

• Have had STIs recently. 

• Have sexual partners who don’t know their HIV status. 

• Live in areas where HIV is more common.

• PrEP is not meant to be used as a one-time emergency solution (like post-exposure prophylaxis), and it’s not for people living with HIV. 

• It is designed as part of a comprehensive approach to HIV prevention, which may also include condom use, regular testing, and healthy sexual practices. 

• Post-exposure (after unprotected sex or other risky behaviors). 

• Should be taken as a single dose (usually 200 mg of doxycycline) within 72 hours of exposure. 

• It is an emergency measure for people who may be at high risk of contracting bacterial STIs. 

• Does Not Prevent: HIV or other viral infections. 

• Treatment Duration: Typically a one-time dose after exposure. 

• PEP stands for Post-exposure Prophylaxis. It is a short-term course of HIV medication taken after possible exposure to HIV to reduce the chance of becoming infected. 

• PEP needs to be started within 72 hours of potential HIV exposure (the sooner, the better). 

• It’s a preventive measure used after you believe you may have been exposed to HIV, such as through unprotected sex, needle-sharing, or sexual assault. 

PEP may be an option for you if: 

• You think you’ve been exposed to HIV within the past 72 hours. 

• This exposure may have occurred due to: 

• Unprotected sex (no condom or missed dose of PrEP). 

• Needle-sharing or sharing drug equipment. 

• Sexual assault. 

• Work-related exposure, such as needlestick injuries in healthcare settings. 

• Start PEP as soon as possible after potential exposure (it must be within 72 hours). 

• PEP typically involves taking two to three antiretroviral medications daily for 28 days. 

• The earlier PEP is started, the more effective it is at preventing HIV infection.

• PEP is used after possible exposure to HIV, while PrEP is taken before potential exposure to prevent HIV. 

• PEP is a one-time emergency option, while PrEP is an ongoing, preventative treatment for those at ongoing risk. 

• PEP is NOT for long-term prevention; it’s a short-term emergency measure. 

• It is most effective if started as soon as possible (within 72 hours of exposure) and used for the full 28-day course. 

• PEP does not protect against other STIs or pregnancy, so be sure to use condoms and other preventive measures during and after the course of PEP.