Sometimes, in the heat of the moment you may forget to play safely.

This is when it’s important to consider getting post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a course of treatment for guys who think they may have been put at risk of HIV infection.

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HOW DOES PEP WORK?

PEP involves a 4-week course of HIV treatment that helps prevent someone from HIV infection.

PEP works by stopping the virus from replicating after recent exposure. The cells originally infected with HIV die naturally within a short period of time, reducing the likelihood for HIV to establish itself in the body.

WHO IS PEP FOR?

PEP is for anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to HIV. Some of the most common reasons for needing PEP medication include:

• Having condomless anal sex or if the condom breaks/slips off during sex with someone who has or may have HIV

• Sharing needles or syringes with a person who has or may have HIV

WHEN SHOULD I TAKE PEP?

If you believe you’ve been exposed to HIV, you should start PEP as soon as possible, ideally within a few hours after the risk event. If it is not started within 72 hours (3 days) of exposure to HIV it is likely that the drug will be ineffective.