Phone: 1.833.WE.R.KIND (1.833.937.5463)

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. 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

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.

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.

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

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.

It might be covered by your insurance. Regardless, we will never turn a patient away.

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.

Kind Clinic offers sexual health services in a safe and supportive environment regardless of race, creed, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or ability to pay.

Founded in 2015 by community activists and volunteers, Kind Clinic is a national leader in innovative sexual health care that offers patients access to HIV prevention medication known as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), HIV testing and care, STI testing & treatment, intersex and gender-affirming care in Austin, Dallas and San Antonio.

Kind Clinic is a program of Texas Health Action, a 501(c)(3) community informed non-profit organization dedicated to providing access to culturally affirming, quality health services in a safe and supportive environment with an expertise in serving LGBTQIA+ people and people impacted by HIV.

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