HIV prophylaxis PrEP and PEP

Pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP

If your risk of contracting HIV is high, e.g. you have a lot of casual partners, you could consider the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP.

Taking this medicine significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection. In the case of PrEP, ARV drugs are taken for a long time and the treatment can be prescribed by an infectious disease specialist. PrEP is a prescription drug and you can get them with a discount if you have health insurance.

As PrEP offers no protection against STDs, you also have to use a condom when using PrEP, as it gives you double protection, and get yourself regularly checked for STDs.

Read more about PrEP.

Post-exposure prophylaxis or PEP

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a short ARV treatment course to reduce and/or avoid the risk of contracting HIV after high-risk exposure.

For example, if you’ve had unprotected intercourse without a condom and your partner has HIV or their behaviour is risky and they are unaware of their exact status. Contact an infectious disease specialist to get a prescription for the drugs.

PEP is only prescribed in extraordinary situations. PEP is not meant for daily use.

Read more about PEP.