PEP Emergency Protocol for HIV
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is an emergency treatment that can prevent HIV infection if started within 72 hours after a possible exposure.
What is PEP?
Essential information about emergency treatment to prevent HIV
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is an emergency treatment with antiretroviral medications that significantly reduces the risk of acquiring HIV after a possible exposure to the virus.
Important!
PEP must be started as soon as possible, ideally within the first 24 hours and NO LATER THAN 72 HOURS after exposure to be effective. The treatment must be completed for 28 days.
PEP works by preventing the virus from establishing itself in the body by blocking its replication. It's not a permanent solution and should not replace regular prevention methods like condom use or PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).
PEP is recommended in these situations:
Unprotected sex with a person with HIV who is not on treatment or whose status is unknown.
Sexual violence or sexual assault.
Occupational accidents in healthcare workers (exposure to blood or body fluids).
Sharing needles or equipment for injectable substance use.
PEP Timeline
Understand the process and the importance of timing in PEP treatment
Risk Exposure
When a possible HIV exposure occurs, it's crucial to act quickly. Identify if the situation represents a potential risk.
72-Hour Window
PEP must be started as soon as possible, ideally within the first 24 hours and no later than 72 hours after exposure.
28-Day Treatment
PEP consists of taking antiretroviral medications daily for a full 28 days to prevent HIV from establishing in the body.
Medical Follow-up
HIV tests will be conducted at 30 and 90 days after exposure to confirm that the treatment has been effective.
Process to Obtain PEP at VIHve Libre
Follow these steps to quickly access emergency treatment
Exposure Evaluation
Before starting PEP, your case will be evaluated to determine if you are a candidate. You will be asked questions about how the risk situation occurred, when it happened, and specific details to assess the level of risk.
Registration with VIHve Libre
Download the CDMX App, create your health profile, and this is very important, select 'VIHve Libre' as your care unit. Send a screenshot of your health profile (it's important for us to see the ID that says patient code, it's 5 numbers) with your full name to our WhatsApp.
Prior HIV Test
If you don't have a recent HIV test (ideally less than a month old), you will be given a free rapid test. It's important to know your current status before starting treatment. If the result is negative, we will proceed with PEP.
Treatment Initiation
You will receive a regimen of antiretroviral medications for 28 days. It's crucial to take the medication daily, at the same time, to maximize its effectiveness. Some mild side effects such as nausea or fatigue may occur.
Follow-up and Testing
Check-ups and HIV tests will be scheduled at 30 and 90 days after exposure. You will also receive counseling on sexual health and prevention, including information about PrEP and other protection methods.
What to do if more than 72 hours have passed?
If more than 72 hours have passed since exposure, PEP is no longer effective. However, we can offer you alternatives such as PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) to prevent future exposures, and recommend that you take HIV tests at 30 and 90 days after exposure.
Learn more about PrEPRisk Criteria
Understanding risk levels for HIV acquisition
Types of exposure and their risk level
Evaluation for PEP Treatment
During the evaluation, the following key questions will be considered:
- 1
How did the risk situation occur? (sexual intercourse, assault, substance use, occupational accident)
- 2
How many hours have passed since the risk contact? (Must be within the first 72 hours)
- 3
Is the source person's serological status known? (HIV positive without treatment, unknown, or positive with undetectable viral load)
- 4
Was there exchange of body fluids? (semen, blood, vaginal fluids)
- 5
Have you received PEP before? When was your last HIV test?
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about PEP
Need Immediate Help?
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24/7 Emergency Line
Our team is available to address emergency situations related to HIV risk exposures.
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