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 Princess,

    Tenemine and Aluvia are ARVs that can be used for PEP. They are safe to use, but if you have side effects you should see your doctor.

  2. Princess •

    Hi

    I was given Tenemine and Aluvia as a PEP am I safe? Another thing is, if the person I was with was not HIV positive using these medicines will not affect me negatively?

  3. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Lerato,

    If you’re already taking ARVs, then no you can’t use tenemine as you won’t need it. That is unless your doctor has prescribed it.

  4. Lerato •

    U can use tenemine even if I’m HIV positive

  5. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Stephina,

    Yes. These are used in some countries to treat HIV. Although Aluvia is no longer used in the UK. Please see this link to Aluvia. Tenemine is made by a company called Mylan and it is a generic version of Truvada.

  6. Stephina •

    Hi. I was given Aluvia and Tenemine for PEP. Is it safe?

  7. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Mosele,

    Tenemine is made by a company called Mylan and it is a generic version of Truvada. So no, it cannot be used for PEP.

    However, it can be used for PrEP (that means you take it before you have condomless sex as well as after).

    Please see this Q&A for the difference between PEP and PrEP.

  8. Mosele •

    Hello!Can I use Tenemine as a PEP?

  9. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Robbie.

    What PrEP medication were you given? PEP medication isn’t prescribed for work based accidents, it’s prescribed when someone has had a risky sexual encounter, therefore I have no idea why you’d be given ARVs.

  10. Robbie •

    Hello. Is it safe to take PrEP and PEP together? I’m on a regular dose of PrEP, But was prescribed PEP due to an injury at work