See below for some commonly asked questions about PEP. You can also explore our PrEP FAQ.
If you have a question you can’t find the answer to, please contact us.
What is PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)?
PEP is emergency medicine to prevent HIV after a possible exposure. PEP must be taken within 3 days of exposure but should be taken as soon as possible to maximize the chance it will work.
Do I need PEP?
You should seek PEP immediately if you:
- Had unprotected sex with someone who may have HIV or whose status you don’t know (unprotected means without a condom, or that the condom broke or slipped off during sex)
- Shared needles or other drug injection equipment with someone who may have HIV or whose status you don’t know
- Were sexually assaulted
If you think you were exposed to HIV at work, get care right away and then tell your supervisor. For example, if a needle stuck you in a health care setting.
How do I get PEP?
Please call 203-903-8308 as soon as possible. We’ll schedule an appointment with a provider, and they will determine if PEP is right for you. If you’re calling outside of regular business hours, please call and wait to be connected to our answering service.
If you’re not an Anchor Health patient, we’ll do everything we can to get you in for an appointment, but we may refer you to an emergency room or local urgent care clinic.
I’m under 18. Can I get PEP without my medical guardian(s) knowing?
Yes, according to Connecticut law, if you’re under 18 years old, you can receive HIV-related care, including PrEP and PEP, without the consent of your medical guardian(s).
How will I take PEP?
PEP is two pills taken once or twice a day (depending on the medicine) for 28 days. It’s important to take PEP exactly as directed. Do not stop or skip doses. Otherwise, it may not work. Only stop taking PEP if your provider tells you to do so.
Does PEP have side effects?
Side effects are typically mild and may include upset stomach, headache, and tiredness. Tell your provider right away if side effects make it hard to take the medicine. Do not stop taking PEP before talking to your provider.
How much does PEP cost?
Medicaid/Husky and most major insurance plans cover PEP. With copay assistance programs, PEP is available with little to no out-of-pocket costs. Our experienced navigators use all available resources to ensure PEP is affordable and accessible to you.
If you’re seeking PEP following a sexual assault, you can visit any emergency room in Connecticut to receive free care, including PEP, emergency contraception, and STI testing.
What happens after I finish taking PEP?
You’ll come in for follow-up testing. If your test is negative and your risk of HIV is ongoing, your provider may discuss PrEP with you. PrEP is a medication that reduces your chances of getting HIV. If your test is positive, your provider immediately starts you on a treatment regimen.
Either way, we offer additional services and resources, including sexual health education, risk reduction counseling, needle exchange programs, and more. If you need any of these services but we haven’t offered them to you, please let your provider know.
Need PEP?
Please call 203-903-8308 as soon as possible. We’ll schedule an appointment with a provider, and they will determine if PEP is right for you. If you’re calling outside of regular business hours, please call and wait to be connected to our answering service.
If you’re not an Anchor Health patient, we’ll do everything we can to get you in for an appointment, but we may refer you to an emergency room or local urgent care clinic.