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PEP Care

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an HIV prevention method taken after potential exposure to reduce infection risk. It involves a month-long course of medication and should begin within 72 hours of exposure.

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HIV Prevention When You Need It Most

PEP, which stands for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, is an emergency HIV prevention medication intended for people who believe they may have recently been exposed to HIV.

PEP must be started within 72 hours of a potential exposure to help reduce the likelihood of HIV infection, and the sooner treatment begins, the more effective it can be. The medication is typically taken daily for 28 days.

If you believe you may have been exposed to HIV, contact Spectrum Medical as soon as possible. A qualified provider can assess your situation and determine whether PEP may be appropriate for you.

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Is PEP the right choice for you?

PEP is for people who may have been exposed to HIV in the last three days. Intended for emergency prevention, PEP might be right for you if you have experienced:

  • Exposure during unprotected sex/condom breakage 
  • Sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs
  • Sexual assault
  • Possible exposure at work

*PEP is not intended for regular use and is not a substitution for PrEP.

Looking for protection against STIs?

While PEP can offer emergency protection against HIV, it does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis. If you believe you’ve been exposed to a bacterial STI, DoxyPEP, an antibiotic taken after sexual activity to reduce risk of infection, may be the right course of action to protect yourself.

Learn More
  • How does PEP work to prevent HIV?

    PEP treatment involves taking antiretroviral medications (ART) for at least 28 days, usually once or twice daily. ART prevents HIV from replicating and spreading within your body by blocking the virus’s ability to establish infection. While PEP can reduce the risk of contracting HIV after exposure, it is critical to follow the prescribed treatment schedule to ensure its effectiveness.

  • How effective is PEP?

    While PEP is highly effective in preventing HIV when taken correctly, it is not 100%. When started promptly and taken as prescribed, research suggests PEP can reduce HIV risk by more than 80%.

  • Are there side effects to taking PEP?

    PEP may lead to minor side effects, such as stomach discomfort or fatigue. If your PEP treatment is ineffective, you might notice flu-like symptoms, such as fever or rash, similar to the early symptoms of HIV. If you experience these symptoms while on PEP or within a month after finishing it, reach out to your provider immediately.

  • How do I get PEP if I think I was exposed to HIV?

    If you believe you’ve experienced a possible exposure, contact Spectrum Medical right away to get support from one of our providers. They will discuss your situation and prescribe PEP if it’s necessary and appropriate. 

  • I don’t live in Phoenix. Can I still get PEP through Spectrum Medical?

    Yes. We serve patients across the Valley and throughout Arizona, including Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, Peoria, Surprise, and surrounding communities. If you feel you may need PEP, please get in touch with us as soon as possible.

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