- Who should take PEP?
- How do I get access to PEP?
- When should I take PEP?
- What is involved in taking PEP?
- Does PEP have any side effects?
- Will I need blood tests?
- Does PEP work?
- Do I still need to see my doctor after completing PEP?
- Does PEP mean I can stop having protected sex?
- What else do I need to know while on PEP?
- Contacts for futher information
- Information about PEP availability outside the Australian Capital Territory
Who should take PEP?
Anyone who has had risky contact with a person who has HIV or who may have HIV should consider taking PEP. This risky contact may include:
- having unsafe sex,
- sharing a needle or
- getting a needlestick injury.
It is important to discuss the need for PEP with a doctor trained in using anti-HIV drugs, or with emergency health services. Together, you can determine your risk of acquiring HIV and whether you should take PEP.
Things that you and your doctor will need to consider in making the decision include details of the exposure, how much time has passed since the event and whether you know anything about the HIV status of the other person or people involved.
How do I get access to PEP?
If you think you might need PEP, you should contact:
During business hours:
- Canberra Sexual Health Centre - 02 6244 2184, or
- A GP who is trained and licensed to prescribe HIV medications.
After hours:
- The Accident and Emergency Department at either
- Canberra Hospital - 02 6244 2222 or
- Calvary Public Hospital - 02 6201 6255; or
- Canberra Afterhours Locum Medical Service (CALMS) - 1300 422 567 (consulting fees will apply).
To talk to someone about PEP, you can call:
- AIDS Action Council (9-5 Monday-Friday) - 02 6257 2855,
- NSW 24-hour PEP hotline - 1800 737 669, or
- Canberra Sexual Health Centre - 02 6244 2184.
When should I take PEP?
It seems likely that PEP will work most effectively if it is started as soon as possible after the exposure to HIV - preferably within one or two hours. This gives the drugs the best chance to work against HIV before it becomes established in the immune system.
Ideally, PEP should be started within hours of exposure, but may be offered up to 72 hours after the exposure.
If you think you might be pregnant, discuss this with your doctor before starting PEP.
If it is more than 72-hours from exposure, it is still a good idea to talk to your doctor or the Canberra Sexual Health Centre about your concern, and to get an HIV test to find out your status.
What is involved in taking PEP?
PEP involves taking a 2 or 3 drug combination once or twice daily for four weeks. The drugs need to be taken at certain times of the day and may need to be taken with or without food.
It is very important not to miss any doses of PEP. Full adherance to medication can maximize the benefits from PEP.
If seen at an Emergency Department or CALMS, you will be given a starter pack so you can commence PEP immediately. This pack only has enough pills for a few days. To continue PEP, you will be referred to a doctor or sexual health centre.
Does PEP have any side effects?
Yes. Taking drugs used in PEP can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, tiredness and a rash. Rarely, more serious side effects have been reported.
You should discuss the possible side effects and how to manage them with your doctor.
Will I need blood tests?
If you decide to take PEP, "baseline" blood tests will be done to check your current status for HIV, hepatitis B and C.
Tests for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may also be recommended, either when you are presecribed PEP, or at your follow-up visits.
Does PEP work?
At this stage no studies have been done to test whether the likelihood of getting HIV after unprotected sex or unsafe injecting is reduced by taking PEP.
There are, however, some encouraging signs from studies done with health care workers that show that their risk of becoming HIV positive after a needlestick injury is significantly reduced by using PEP.
These studies suggest that it may be possible to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by prompt use of PEP after possible exposure to HIV, sexually or through injecting equipment.
It must be stressed, however, that PEP will not eliminate the risk of HIV transmission.
Do I still need to see my doctor after completing PEP?
Yes, follow-up with your doctor is very important. If you take PEP, blood tests for HIV are repeated at these times after the exposure:
- At 6 weeks,
- At 3 months, and
- At 6 months.
This is longer than the usual 3-month 'window period' for HIV testing because PEP may prolong the time to detection of infection.
Contraception
Use effective bith control to avoid pregnancy whilst on PEP.
Safe sex
Whilst you HIV status is being monitored over the six months, you are advised to practice safe sex and injecting to protect yourself and your partner.
Does PEP mean I can stop having protected sex?
NO! PEP is not guaranteed to stop you from being infected with HIV and it is no replacement for safe sex and safe injecting practices. Taking PEP will not make you immune to further exposures.
Remember to stick to safe sex and safe injecting practices.
But if things have not been safe, talk to an expert from one of the places listed below as soon as you can.
What else do I need to know while on PEP?
- Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy while on PEP.
- You are also advised against donating blood, organ or tissue, and sperm donation.
- You should dicuss with your doctor is you are breastfeeding.
Further Information
Canberra Sexual Health Centre
Phone (02) 6244 2184
Canberra Hosptial Emergency Department
Phone (02) 6244 2222
Calvary Hospital Emergency Department
Phone (02) 6201 6255
Canberra Afterhours Locum Medical Service (CALMS)
Phone 1300 422 567
AIDS Action Council of the ACT
Phone (02) 6257 2855
ACT Division of General Practice HIV Clinic Nurse
Phone (02) 6247 5742
Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP)
Phone (02) 6247 3443
In other states and territories
PEP information varies in other juristictions. If you are outside the Australian Captial Territory, please refer to the relevant information provided by your state or territory government or AIDS Council:
- AIDS Council of South Australia [PDF]
- New South Wales Health1800 PEP NOW (1800 737 669)
- Northern Territory AIDS Council
- Victorian AIDS Council 1800 889 887
- Queensland AIDS Council [PDF]
- Queensland Health