Q and A

Question

What is the difference between PEP and PrEP?

5 July 2015. Related: All topics, PEP/PEPSE, PrEP.

I’ve heard about both PrEP and PEP. Is there a difference?

Answer

Answer: Robin Jakob

Hi,

There is a difference between PrEP and PEP. PrEP stand for pre exposure prophylaxis. PEP stands for post exposure prophylaxis.

PEP is HIV drugs you take after you have had an exposure. This reduces the chance of an infection. The drugs this is made up of depends on the guidelines in the country that you are in.

PrEP is also HIV meds, in a pill called Truvada, that you take before an exposure to prevent any possible transmission. PrEP has been available in the US for a while but it is not yet available in the UK. A study PROUD is taking place in the UK. It has already shown that PrEP is effective here.

You can find more information about PEP and PrEP on our website, as well as information about the PROUD study.

50 comments

  1. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi VJ,
    If you think you been at risk of HIV because the condom broke the doctor should talk to you about PEP. PEP is taken after you had sex that might have exposed you to HIV. PrEP is taken before you have sex and it can protect against HIV even if you don’t use condoms. But you have to take it in the right way of course. Here’s more about PEP and PrEP.

  2. VJ •

    in my situation my condom broke, went to clinic doctor precribe PreP.
    is it the right medication

  3. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Obbo,

    If the person who is on PEP is positive, then yes they can transmit HIV.

  4. Obbo •

    Can Someone In PEP Transimit HIV If Had Unprotected Sex ?

  5. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Mari,
    1) The drugs for PEP and PrEP are the same drugs in many countries. But the pill that contains the drugs can have different names because they are made by different companies. If you’re on PEP you can be given different drugs in different countries. But because PEP contains 3 drugs there’s more than one combination that can be available to you.
    2) PrEP protects against HIV for people who are HIV negative and often have sex without a condom. It’s taken before you have sex. It’s recommended that women take it every day so that it keeps HIV away. People who are HIV negative take PEP after they’ve had sex without a condom or if the condom breaks while they’re having sex. PEP can work if you take it as soon as you can after you’ve had the risk. But you can have up to 72 hours before starting to take it. Sooner rather than later is best. PEP is taken for 28 days, then you wait another 28 days and have an HIV test.

  6. Mari •

    1) Why does the county you live in have anything to do with what’s in the these drugs?

    2) How long does PreP or PeP stay in your system?

  7. Simon Collins •

    Hi Ajay

    Your questions are already online at the FAQ page.
    http://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

    and in this guide:
    http://i-base.info/guides/testing

  8. AJAY •

    I HAVE COMLETED 28 DAYS COURSE OF PEP (TRUSTIVA) AND TESTED NEGATIVE AFTER 6 WEEK OF EXPOSER IS IT MEAN I HAVE NO HIV AND FURTER NO NEED TO TESTD

  9. Simon Collins •

    thanks for this nice feedback :)

  10. Matovu •

    THANKS FOR THE GREAT INFORMATION