About PEP

WHAT IS PEP?

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a 28-day prescription medical treatment for patients who have possibly been exposed to HIV. If you suspect/have been exposed to HIV, it is important that you start taking PEP as soon as possible. PEP is only effective if taken within 72 hours of possible HIV exposure.

Is PEP for me?

If you think you have been exposed to HIV, it is important that you start taking PEP as soon as possible. PEP is only effective within 72 hours of possible HIV exposure, so seeking professional help quickly after exposure is crucial.

How does PEP work?

PEP is an oral medication that helps the immune system fight off the HIV virus. By stopping the virus from replicating any infected cells in the body, any infected cells will eventually die off and the HIV virus is stopped.

How can I get PEP?

You can make an appointment at any of our locations to get PEP. PEP is offered at Kind Clinic at no cost to you. If you are exposed to HIV during the weekend or cannot make an appointment for the next day with your primary care doctor, go to an emergency room for immediate treatment. Patients should not wait more than 72 hours to start PEP treatment.

FAQs

How long does PEP take to work?

After 28 days of taking PEP, the HIV virus will dissipate. It’s important patients begin PEP no more than 72 hours after possible exposure.

What are the side effects of taking PEP?

Common side effects of PEP are diarrhea, headaches, nausea/vomiting, and fatigue. Your Kind Clinic provider will discuss side effects with you in more detail and provide you everything you need to know about PEP before you begin taking it.

Is PEP a one-time treatment?

PEP is a 28-day prescription medication to eradicate the HIV virus from the body.

If I took PEP, should I also take PrEP?

We recommend all patients who might be exposed to HIV take PrEP daily. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) reduces the risk of HIV transmission by 99% when taken daily.

Is PEP covered by insurance?

PEP is offered at no cost to you. It might also be covered by your insurance. Regardless, there will be no financial patient responsibility for any Kind Clinic services.

Should I still take PEP if I think I was exposed to HIV longer than 72 hours ago?

Make an appointment with us as soon as you can to discuss your options. If our office is closed, please go to an emergency room to receive the necessary treatment.

We offer no-cost sexual health services to all members of the community regardless of race, creed, gender identity and expression, immigration status, sexual orientation, insurance status or ability to pay. We also have patient advocates with expertise serving the LGBTQIA+ community, who are with you every step of the way to make sure you receive all medications at little-to-no cost even without insurance. We offer FREE Walk-in HIV/STI testing and treatment services at this location. Stop by during our walk-in hours for fast and easy testing for HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and hepatitis C.

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Kind Clinic

19 hours ago

If you’re a biker, join Back That Ride Up in support of our partners at Waterloo Counseling Center! @waterloocounseling offers affordable, culturally sensitive mental health services for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or HIV status. #hcra2023 #hcra23 #texashealthaction #waterloocounseling #lgbtq #lgbtqia+ #kindclinic #bekind … See MoreSee Less

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Kind Clinic

2 days ago

Thank you to the Legacy Collective for supporting the Kind Clinic. The Mama Bears Giving Circle Grant will support our Kind Patient Assistance Program to assist uninsured or underinsured patients with the cost of medications. Thank you Legacy Collective for ensuring that LGBTQIA+ people and people impacted by HIV have access to the care they need. #mamabearsgivingcircle #lgbtqia #kindclinic #bekind … See MoreSee Less

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