HIV Pre-Exposure Prophalaxis (PrEP)

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a strategy whereby a person takes HIV anti-retroviral medications before exposure to HIV to help prevent infection. A recent study, using daily Truvada, along with other prevention methods (e.g. routine STD and HIV testing, vaccines, and consistent condom use) significantly reduced, but did not eliminate the risk of HIV infection among men who have sex with men. Truvada was less effective when taken irregularly (less than 90% of days). Want More? PrEP Fact Sheet or CDC PrEP clinical trials.

HIV POST-Exposure Prophalaxis (PEP)

HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) involves taking HIV meds within 72 hours after exposure, to prevent infection, and continue for a full month. The HIV PEP medications are the same used by people living with HIV and can cause serious side effects. Testing and monitoring is needed during and after PEP.

Research shows PEP is effective in work-related exposures (e.g. accidental needle sticks among nurses with HIV positive patients) but no data show that PEP prevents HIV in non-work-related contexts at this time.

Few doctors prescribe the medicine and do the follow up tests; many are unfamiliar with PEP and resources are limited. Only some ER's offer PEP. If you know the person who exposed you and they have an HIV doctor, you can try contacting their provider. Multnomah County Health Department does not offer PEP. Want More? PEP Fact Sheet.