What is PEP?

• Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is an emergency treatment that can reduce your chances of becoming infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, after you had a high risk exposure, for example unprotected sex or sharing needles.  The treatment is an emergency because the medical services must begin at the very latest 72 hours (3 days) after the exposure.  The sooner you begin PEP treatment, the more effective it will be. 

• PEP consists of 28 days of antiretroviral drug therapy - medicines in pill form that slow down or stop HIV from reproducing in the body.  Antiretroviral drugs are the type of medicine that HIV-positive people take to stay healthy.

• For more information, please check out this brochure: English or Español.

What is PrEP?

• PrEP is a daily pill taken by individuals who are HIV-negative before they are potentially exposed to HIV. PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection by up to 92% when taken consistently.

• For more info call the LA County PrEP warmline - (213) 351-7699

What is a High-risk HIV Exposure?

• Having sex or sharing needles with a known HIV-positive partner or a partner of unknown status and one of the following events:
  
  • Unprotected receptive anal sex or with a failed condom
  • Unprotected insertive anal sex or with a failed condom
  • Unprotected receptive vaginal intercourse or with a failed condom
  • Unprotected insertive vaginal intercourse or with a failed condom
  • Sharing injection drug paraphernalia

How do I Find PEP/PrEP Treatment?

• Find a PEP or PrEP medical provider in LA County

• For more information call the LA County PEP warmline - (213) 351-7699

• The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center in Hollywood - 323-993-7500 (Option 4)