PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis)

Getting PEP

Talk right away to your health care provider, an emergency room provider, or an urgent care provider about PEP if you think you've recently been exposed to HIV during condomless sex, or through sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs.

Remember, the sooner you start PEP, the better. If you're prescribed PEP, you'll need to take it daily for 28 days.

Options for getting PEP:

• During business hours, call 206-744-5100. Please communicate the reason for your visit or call.
• During clinic hours, visit Madison Clinic at Harborview Medical Center to schedule future appointments.
  Madison Clinic at Harborview Medical Center (HMC)
  325 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
  206-520-5000
• After hours, go to Harborview Emergency Department.
  325 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104

Keep Truvada handy

Always having Truvada on hand is ideal for preventing HIV. Truvada is the brand name for tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) combined with emtricitabine (FTC), abbreviated as TDF/FTC, which comes in a widely available and affordable generic form.

TDF/FTC can be used as HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). PEP usually means taking 3 medications; often TDF/FTC, and a third medication like dolutegravir. However, the evidence for needing a third medication is limited and suggests that taking 2 doses (2 pills) of TDF/FTC alone   as soon as possible within 72 hours (3 days) after a possible exposure, and then continuing to take 1 pill every day for up to 28 days, can be suitable to prevent infection after HIV exposure.