Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

PEP is the use of antiretroviral drugs after a single high-risk event to stop HIV seroconversion. PEP must be started as soon as possible to be effective—and always within 72 hours of a possible exposure.

Resources for Consumers

Basic PEP Q&As – learn the basics about PEP and if it’s right for you.

PEP 101 Consumer Info Sheet (English and Spanish) pdf icon[PDF – 706 KB]

Resources for Providers

Visit the Prescribe HIV Prevention website to learn about using PrEP and PEP to reduce new HIV infections.

Visit the Non-Occupational Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (nPEP) Toolkit from the AETC National Coordinating Resource Centerexternal icon

PEP Consultation Service for Clinicians

1-888-448-4911
9 a.m. – 2 a.m. ET
For more information on the services offered through the PEPline, visit the National Clinicians Consultation Centerexternal icon.

Guidelines

• Updated Guidelines for Antiretroviral Postexposure Prophylaxis After Sexual, Injection Drug Use, or Other Nonoccupational Exposure to HIV—United States, 2016
• Updated US Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposures to Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Recommendations for Postexposure Prophylaxisexternal icon
• Updated U.S. Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposures to HBV, HCV, and HIV and Recommendations for Postexposure Prophylaxis (Learn more about Learn more about Occupational HIV Transmission and Prevention Among Health Care Workers.)
• Preventing New HIV Infections