04 September 25
Ending HIV
What’s the difference between PrEP, Doxy-PEP and HIV-PEP
PrEP, PEP, Doxy-PEP, they all sound pretty similar! You’re not alone in feeling confused about which is which and which does what. So let’s break it down: What is the difference between PrEP, Doxy-PEP and HIV-PEP?
Here’s an easy guide to how each works:
- PrEP – HIV medication taken before and after sex to prevent HIV transmission – it can be taken daily, or on-demand.
- Doxy-PEP – antibiotic medication taken within 72 hours after sex to help prevent chlamydia and syphilis
- HIV-PEP – a last resort HIV medication taken after sex to prevent HIV transmission
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Each of these prevention pills are easy to access and have the power to change your sex life. Read on for a little more detail on how each works.
PrEP prevents HIV
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and is the use of HIV medication taken before and after sex to prevent HIV transmission.
You can get PrEP by visiting your doctor or General Practitioner (GP), and some people without Medicare can access it from sexual health clinics.
PrEP can be taken every day, on-demand or over a period. Learn more about PrEP and how to access it.
Doxy-PEP prevents chlamydia and syphilis
Doxy-PEP stands for Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. Doxycycline is an antibiotic that can be used after sex to help prevent chlamydia and syphilis. To be effective, it must be taken within 72 hours of sex.
You can get Doxy-PEP from your doctor or GP. Learn more about Doxy-PEP and how to get it.
It’s important to note, Doxy-PEP does not protect you from HIV.
HIV-PEP prevents HIV
HIV-PEP, or as it’s usually referred to as ‘PEP’ stands for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis.
It is is a month-long course of HIV treatment that prevents HIV transmission after a potential exposure.
For it to be effective, it must be started within 72 hours of sex. The sooner the better. The good news is that you can access PEP for free from any sexual health clinic or hospital accident and emergency department in NSW.
If you’ve recently been exposed to HIV and think you could benefit from PEP, you can call the PEP hotline on 1800 737 669 and speak with a sexual health nurse. There they’ll be able to give you advice on whether or not to start PEP, and what the closest location to access PEP may be for you.
Take charge of your sexual health
With PrEP, Doxy-PEP and HIV-PEP now part of the prevention toolkit, it’s easier than ever to take charge of your sexual health.
Whether you’re planning ahead or responding after the fact, knowing which pill to use—and when—can make a big difference.
If you’ve got questions or just want to chat with someone who knows their stuff, give the NSW Sexual Health Infolink a call on 1800 451 624 or visit shil.nsw.gov.au. Their friendly nurses are there to help.