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

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

Lisa Thorley • 8 June 2019

Hi,

PEP and PrEP are different, what ARVs do you have access too?
T • 8 June 2019

Can I take PrEp post-sexual intercourse if I don’t have access to Pep?
Lisa Thorley • 22 March 2019

Hi Adam,

PEP is two different tablets, not one. Truvada and two tablets of raltegravir. This is what makes PEP different to PrEP.
Adam • 22 March 2019

Hi there,

Since they both contain the same medicine (emtricitabine and tenofovir), can PEP be used as PrEP on a daily basis to prevent contracting HIV? If no, why would that be the case since the contain the same drugs?
Roy Trevelion • 4 March 2019

Hi Lizo,

The simple answer is yes. Is your partner on HIV treatment (ART)? If they are, and their viral load is staying undetectable then the chance of HIV transmission is zero. Using PrEP for the HIV negative partner would be an individual choice.

Please see here for info about Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U).

Here is the guide to HIV, pregnancy and women’s health.
lizo • 4 March 2019

Is it possible for me to have a child with a positive partner,without any infection while I’m using prep?
Roy Trevelion • 25 February 2019

Hi Ayanda,

Tenemine is a generic version of Truvada. And so it can also be used as PrEP. Please see more info on PrEP here.
Ayanda • 25 February 2019

Are tenemine tablets also Prep pills?
Roy Trevelion • 16 July 2018

Hi Kandy,
Catching HIV from one broken condom is a low risk. The risk of transmission is also lower if the guy is on HIV treatment. If he’s on treatment and his viral load result is undetectable the risk is zero. You can read more about risks on similar questions here. Did the doctor prescribe HIV treatment for one month? After finishing this course of PEP you need to wait another month to have an HIV test.
Kandy • 16 July 2018

I have sex with the guy Friday night then the condoms burst, Sunday I went to the pharmacy and bought a hiv test and he is postive. Then that Sunday the doctor prescribed combivir and aspen. Do you think I’m safe?