pre-exposure prophylaxis + post-exposure prophylaxis

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are two distinct HIV prevention strategies that use antiretroviral medications to reduce the risk of HIV infection. PrEP is taken by people at ongoing risk for HIV before potential exposure, typically as a daily oral pill or long-acting injection, and works by blocking the HIV life cycle to prevent the virus from establishing infection if exposure occurs. PEP is a short course of antiretroviral medicines started within 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV; it must be taken daily for 28 days and is intended for emergency situations rather than regular use. Both approaches utilize similar classes of antiretroviral drugs—most commonly combinations including tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (Truvada or generics), tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine (Descovy), and an integrase inhibitor such as dolutegravir or raltegravir in PEP regimens[1][3][4][5][6][8]. PrEP reduces the risk of acquiring HIV from sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed, while PEP can significantly lower infection risk if started promptly after exposure.

Other names

PrEP + PEPpreexposure prophylaxis + postexposure prophylaxis