Post Exposure and Pre-exposure Medications For HIV

Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

The provision of PEP is part of an overall strategy for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in South Australia. PEP is a 28 day course of antiretroviral medications which can prevent HIV infection following an exposure to HIV.

HIV PEP must be started within 72 hours of the risk exposure and effectiveness is considered to be greater when PEP is started as soon as possible.

PEP is available at Adelaide Sexual Health Centre during business hours, for people who have had a potential non-occupational exposure to HIV, and from emergency departments after hours. Please see this page for further information on PEP Access Points.

Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

PrEP for HIV is the newest HIV prevention strategy. PrEP is the use of antiretroviral medications to prevent HIV transmission. Clinical trials from around the world have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of PrEP at reducing HIV transmission among people at high-risk of acquiring HIV.

In South Australia, PrEP is available through all GP’s.

For more information on PrEP, please phone Adelaide Sexual Health Centre or see the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).