Post-exposure and pre-exposure medications For HIV
Learn more about post- and pre-exposure medications for patients with human immunodeficiency virus.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
The provision of PEP is part of an overall strategy for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in South Australia.
PEP is a 28 day course of antiretroviral medications which can prevent HIV infection following an exposure to HIV.
HIV PEP must be started within 72 hours of the risk exposure and effectiveness is considered to be greater when PEP is started as soon as possible.
PEP is available at Adelaide Sexual Health Centre during business hours, for people who have had a potential non-occupational exposure to HIV, and from emergency departments after hours.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
PrEP for HIV is the newest HIV prevention strategy.
PrEP is the use of antiretroviral medications to prevent HIV transmission. Clinical trials from around the world have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of PrEP at reducing HIV transmission among people at high-risk of acquiring HIV.
In South Australia, PrEP is available through all GPs.
This page was last updated 1 May 2025.
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