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 Francina,

    Tenemine is a generic version of Truvada. It is used by people who are HIV negative to reduce the risk of catching HIV. This treatment is called PrEP.

    Here’s the i-Base guide to PrEP for here in the UK.

  2. Francina •

    Is it necessary for a person who is not infected and the partner is also not infected aswe take tests every 3 monthsto take theTenemine tablets and sayhe is preventing himself from being infected

  3. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Muzi,

    You can take meds for HIV and PEP at the time of the day that fits your schedule. You can aim for a particular time but you’ll have an hour window either side of that to take the meds.

  4. Muzi •

    Hi, does it matter at what time during the day do you start taking the pills(Aluvia; Tenemine)? Or you should have the exact times?

  5. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Muzi,

    What did the doctor say when they gave you the meds? Tenemine and Aluvia are ARVs and can be used for PEP. Please talk to the doctor about the other meds you’ve been given.

  6. Muzi •

    Hi,
    The Dr gave me Tenemine; Aluvia; ADCO-CONTROMET and CETAPON for PEP thus, I was wondering If I’m safe and that is it really necessary to take all of them? Note: the incident happened last night and I’m not sure about the status of the person I hooked up with.

    Thanks

  7. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Dee,

    Please can I ask what the doctor said? What was the reason for giving you PrEP?

    It’s a good idea to ask her if she thought that your HIV risk at this time was low. Or maybe your boyfriend is on HIV treatment (ART) with an undetectable viral load. This would mean that HIV can not be transmitted, even if you don’t use condoms. For more info on this please see Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) here.

    Please let us know what the doctor says.

  8. Dee •

    I slept with my boyfriend who is HIV positive and went to the doctor before 72hrs.

    When i got there i asked for PEP but the doctor said i must take PrEP not PEP. She gave me tenofovir pills and antibiotics.

    I kept on asking for PEP but she was adamant that i needed PrEP and not PEP. Please help, I’m scared.

  9. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Elton,

    Tenemine can be used as PrEP. As Robin says on this Q&A, you take them before sex. Please see the doctor if you think you’re at risk of HIV.

    All FAQs on HIV risk and testing are answered here.

  10. Elton •

    I had sex with someone with HIV and i drunk your Tenemine pills can it help me