PrEP & PEP are both highly effective methods of preventing HIV. Here, we will outline some of the similarities and differences between the two methods.
| PrEP | PEP | |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that is taken regularly to prevent HIV infection. It can be taken as a daily pill, or as a monthly injection (note: injection is not currently offered at our clinic). PrEP does not prevent the transmission of other STIs. | Post-Exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a medication that is taken after you think you have been exposed to HIV. It consists of a combination of medications that need to be taken consistently over 28 days. PEP is an emergency option and should not be considered a replacement for other preventative options & safer sex practices. There are multiple barriers to accessing PEP. PEP does not prevent the transmission of other STIs. |
| Who is it for? | PrEP is recommended anyone who is HIV negative and: Participates in unprotected sexual contact with someone who is HIV positive or of unknown HIV status; Or Uses IV drugs and shares equipment (needles). Those in closed relationships (meaning neither party is participating in sexual contact with others) are considered low risk for becoming HIV positive, and do not need to start taking PrEP. | PEP is recommended for anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours through unprotected sex, sexual assault, or a contaminated needle. PEP is not intended for people with ongoing exposure to HIV. For people with regular high-risk behaviours, PrEP should be considered to prevent HIV instead. |
| How does it work? | PrEP prevents HIV from copying itself in your body. Meaning, even if you are exposed, it is unlikely to remain in your body. Consistent and correct usage of PrEP is crucial! It can reduce your risk up to 99% if taken correctly. | PEP also prevents HIV from copying itself in your body during the crucial first 1-3 days after being exposed. The sooner you can take PEP, the more likely it is to be effective. It must be taken within 72 hours of being exposed. |
| How to access it? | Book an appointment with us, your family doctor, or with a pharmacist at Boyd’s Pharmasave. There, you’ll do an HIV test, discuss your options, and get a prescription for PrEP. The cost of PrEP is covered by special authorization through the Nova Scotia Family Pharmacare Program as well as some private insurance plans. Once taking PrEP, you’ll need to do routine bloodwork before every refill of your prescription (about every 3-4 months). Prescriptions are only provided after bloodwork has been completed (including the first dose). | Go to your nearest Emergency Room as soon as possible! A family doctor or walk-in clinic will not prescribe PEP to you. At the emergency room, a healthcare provider will assess you through an interview to determine your risk of getting HIV and if PEP is necessary. You may be offered a 5 day “starter pack” of pills to start taking PEP right away and be given a prescription for the remainder of the full 28-day course. The cost for PEP is only covered by MSI in the case of sexual assault. It is covered under some private insurance. Without insurance, a monthlong course of PEP can cost $900 or more. After the 28 days you’ll need to do an HIV test to make sure that PEP worked. |
Below is more information on PrEP and PEP:
PrEP in Nova Scotia – CBRC & SHNS
PEP in Nova Scotia – CBRC & SHNS
PEP – Check Me Out
PrEP – Check Me Out
How to Book and Prepare for your Appointment:
Give us a call at 902.455.9656 ext. 0. You will be speaking with either a volunteer or a medical administrator. If you’re a returning patient, you can also book online. We cannot book appointments by email or Facebook.
You cannot book an appointment for someone else, even if they are your partner or child. We will need to speak with them directly. Are you a youth? You do not need parental consent for any of our appointments. To book, we will need your full name, birth date, phone number, and a very brief reason for your visit. That’s it! The person on the phone will outline anything you need to know to prepare for your appointment.
If you’re looking to have PrEP covered through the Nova Scotia Family Pharmacare Program, make sure you are enrolled in the program before coming to your appointment. During your appointment, the physician can fill out the Special Authorization Form. If you are using private insurance, check with your provider if any special authorization forms are required.
We cannot book you in advance for your follow-ups. You will have to call or go online to book your follow up closer to the date. Our average wait time for an appointment is 4-6 weeks from the day you call, so if you’re looking to refill a prescription, make sure to call with plenty of time!
Make sure you bring your valid provincial health card with you to your appointment. Clients without health cards are subject to doctors and lab fees.
Don’t have access to or lost your health card? You are entitled to your health card information! Call MSI toll-free at 1-800-563-8880 (in Nova Scotia) or at 902-496-7008 from Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. We require the number and the expiry date. Another tip: take a picture of your card! You will never lose it again!