On many occasions, patients have come to our clinic very worried because they’ve had an experience they consider risky – whether because a condom broke, slipped, or wasn’t used at all.
Currently, backed by scientific evidence, there is medication available in Spain that can prevent the development of HIV infection in the body even after a risky exposure. This medication is known as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV (PEP).
What is PEP?
If your situation is assessed as truly high-risk, after medical evaluation you would be prescribed a 28-day course of treatment. This medication is an antiretroviral – in other words, the same type of medicine used to control HIV in people who are already living with the infection. Its role is to prevent the virus from replicating in your body, and therefore stop the infection from establishing itself.
Who can take PEP?
PEP is intended for people who do not have HIV, or are unaware of their status, and who within the previous 72 hours have:
- Had anal or vaginal sex without a condom, or oral sex involving blood exposure due to sores or injuries in the mouth, penis, anus, or vagina.
- Shared needles or other equipment for injecting drugs.
- Experienced sexual assault.
- Had a possible occupational exposure (such as accidental needlestick injuries or blood contact).
… provided that the source of exposure is either a person living with HIV or someone whose HIV status is unknown.
It’s important to know that people with HIV who are on treatment and have an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the infection. If this is the case for your contact, PEP is not necessary.
Where can I get PEP?
PEP is administered in hospitals. You should go to the A&E department of your local or nearest hospital.
When should I start taking it?
As soon as possible after exposure, and no later than 72 hours. The sooner you access treatment, the more effective it will be. The first 6 hours are critical, but every minute counts.
If you are prescribed PEP, it is vital to take it every day for the full 28 days to ensure its effectiveness.
How effective is it?
It cannot guarantee 100% protection, but when taken correctly, research shows it can reduce the risk of acquiring HIV by more than 80%.
What should I know while taking PEP?
Continue to protect yourself during this period: use condoms consistently and only use sterile, single-use needles if injecting drugs.
PEP generally does not interact with most common medications, but your doctor will assess this when prescribing.
Some people experience side effects, usually mild and temporary, such as headaches or stomach upset. If you are concerned about any symptoms while on PEP, consult your doctor.
Remember: PEP is an emergency measure, not a regular method of HIV prevention.
Once finished, how do I know if PEP has worked and I don’t have HIV?
After completing the PEP course, an antibody test is usually done 3 months later as the definitive confirmation.
However, at Open House clinics you can access earlier testing, such as a p24 antigen/antibody test at 5–6 weeks with results in 30 minutes, or an HIV PCR test 14 days after completing treatment, with results in under 2 hours.
Contact us to book an appointment or get more information – there’s no need to suffer through unnecessary waiting.
Madrid Clinic Valencia Clinic Medical Center Málaga HIV Test
Dra. Julieta Domingorena Córdoba