About PEP
1. What is PEP?
PEP stands for “Post-Exposure Prophylaxis.”
It is antiretroviral medication that can protect you from HIV, after a possible exposure.
2. How does PEP work?
PEP is an emergency treatment to protect you after a possible HIV exposure .
It tries to creates a protective shield in the human body, preventing HIV from infecting the person.
You must begin taking the treatment as soon as possible, but it does not work after 72 hours of a possible HIV exposure.
The sooner you start, the better it works. The treatment is in the form of pills. You must take it for 30 days (1 month).
3. What does PEP protect you from?
PEP protects you only from HIV. It offers absolutely no protection against other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis.
4. Who is PEP for?
PEP is intended for everyone who is HIV-negative and had a recent possible exposure to HIV, within the last 72 hours.
PEP does not interfere with hormone therapy.
5. Are there any side effects?
Most people who take PEP do not experience side effects. When side effects do occur, they usually disappear within a few weeks. These may include stomach discomfort, headaches, or fatigue.
6. Is PEP available in Cyprus?
Yes! PEP is officially available in Cyprus, for everyone, without any exclusion criteria, without having to be registered in the National Health System.
• You can get if for free.
• You have to visit the HIV Reference Clinic (Gregorious Clinic), at Larnaca General Hospital. Gregorios Clinic is located on the 6th floor of the old building (left wing). It is available ONLY at Gregorios Clinic, after a doctor prescribes it.
• You will need to provide some kind of identification (i.e. national ID, passport, or other).
• You can access it any time (24/7), without an appointment, by going directly to Gregorios Clinic and requesting to access PEP.
7. What you should know when you visit Gregorios Clinic:
• You will need to talk to a doctor at Gregorios Clinic and requesting to access PEP.
• You will be asked to take an HIV test, to confirm that you were negative to HIV before the possible exposure.
• After a doctor prescribes it, you will be given pills for 30 days.
• You will be asked to take another HIV test, after you complete the treatment.
Attention:
If there was a possible HIV exposure, you must start taking PEP as soon as possible.
PEP does not work 72-hours after possible exposure.
If you need guidance or more information, you can contact us by calling (00357) 9960 7005.
