HIV nonoccupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) is the use of antiretroviral medication to prevent HIV transmission in isolated exposures to blood, genital secretions, and other potentially infectious body fluids that may contain HIV.
(Please note that HIV occupational post-exposure prophylaxis or oPEP has separate guidelines for exposures in a health care setting)
nPEP should be started within 72 hours after potential HIV exposure. This includes exposure to blood (sharing needles) or bodily fluids (rape, condom broke, etc.). Exposures like oral sex, biting, spitting, and sharing sex toys are considered to have minor risk.
| Is nPEP recommended? | |
|---|---|
| Source of body fluids known to be HIV positive | YES |
| Exposure presents substantial risk for HIV transmission - Substantial risk defined as exposure to genital areas, eye, mouth, mucus membrane, non-intact skin, percutaneous contact with blood or bodily fluids when HIV positive status is known (if HIV unknown, case-by-case determination). | YES |
| Care for nPEP is sought within 72 hours from potential exposure | YES |
I'm on HIV PrEP. Do I need to take nPEP if I have an exposure to HIV?
In general, people taking PrEP don’t need PEP if they’ve been taking their medication regularly before the exposure. If you’ve missed more than four doses in the week before the exposure or only take PrEP sporadically, consider getting PEP.
I took PEP. What’s next?
- Get an HIV test four to six weeks and three months after your exposure, or anytime if you have symptoms of acute HIV infection.
- If you have continued risk factors for HIV infection, consider starting PrEP medication. When taken daily, this prevents HIV infection.
Other Considerations
Sexual assault survivors should be treated empirically for STIs and offered emergency contraceptive if not pregnant and of childbearing potential.
PrEP vs. nPEP: Marissa
What medications are used for nPEP?
Several options exist, but a common and effective regimen is tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-emtricitabine (TDF"/FTC) plus dolutegravir. Three drug regimens are recommended for 28 days. If the source tests negative for HIV, then PEP is no longer needed. PEP administration should not be delayed while awaiting testing.
Paying for nPEP
Medication assistance programs are available through pharmaceutical companies and other non-profit organizations to assist with covering the cost of medication. https://aidsetc.org/resource/medication-assistance-programs
Contact Us
STD/HIV Hotline: 1-800-322-2437
For more information about nPEP or for all other inquiries, email us at PrEPMeSC@dhec.sc.gov
PEP Consultation Service for Clinicians
1-888-448-4911
9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST on weekends and holidays.
For more information on the services offered through the PEPline, visit the National Clinicians Consultation Center.