A clear, India-focused guide · By Dr. Monga Clinic
PEP Treatment for HIV: The Complete Guide
A simple guide to PEP: what it is, when to start, how the course works and what happens after. If something happened recently, talk to our doctor today — every hour counts.
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a short course of HIV medicines that a doctor may prescribe after a possible recent exposure to lower the chance of HIV infection. It must be started within 72 hours — the sooner, the better — and is usually taken for 28 days. PEP is not treatment for HIV. It is different from PrEP, which is taken before possible exposure, and ART, which treats HIV.
For education only. Our doctor will advise on your own situation.
Clear information is a starting point for a clinician conversation.
Updated 12 Oct 2026
Written for patients by Dr. Monga Clinic
This guide explains PEP in simple words, based on WHO and NACO guidance. It is for education only — our doctor will advise on your own situation. Last updated: 12 October 2026.
START HERE · THE ESSENTIALS
What should you do first after a possible exposure?
If you are worried about a possible exposure, contact a doctor as soon as possible. PEP means post-exposure prophylaxis — a short course of HIV medicines that a doctor may prescribe after a possible exposure. Never take it without a prescription. Just tell the doctor what happened and when; you don’t need medical words.
PEP must be started within the 72-hour window after exposure and is usually taken as a 28-day course. The earlier it starts, the better it works. The doctor will also plan your follow-up HIV tests, and costs are explained before you start.
In brief
See a doctor within 72 hours. Take the full course as prescribed and follow your test plan.
Choose the section closest to your concern; each guide links to its next useful step.
THE GUIDE LIBRARY
Which PEP question can this guide answer?
01 · GUIDE
What is PEP, and who may need an assessment?
PEP means post-exposure prophylaxis. It is a short course of anti-HIV medicines that a doctor may prescribe after a possible recent exposure to HIV. It is not a general health tablet and must never be borrowed from someone else. It is also different from ART, which is treatment for people living with HIV.
You may need an assessment after unprotected sex or a condom break, sexual assault, sharing needles or a needle-stick injury. You don’t have to decide on your own whether your situation counts. Explain what happened in simple words — the doctor will ask a few questions without judging you.
The consultation also covers testing and support. Ask the doctor why they recommend a plan and what could change it.
02 · GUIDE
What should you do in the first hours after a possible exposure?
Contact a doctor as soon as possible — don’t wait for symptoms. PEP must be started within the 72-hour window, and it works best when started early, ideally within a few hours. Even if you are unsure, call and ask; the doctor will tell you whether PEP is needed.
If there is a wound, wash it with soap and running water; do not squeeze it. Note roughly when the exposure happened and any medicines or allergies you have. A rough estimate is fine — you don’t need documents before calling.
Calling does not commit you to treatment. It simply lets a doctor hear what happened and guide your next step quickly.
03 · GUIDE
What should you know about PEP medicines and the course?
PEP is a combination of anti-HIV medicines prescribed by a doctor, usually taken as a 28-day course. Never borrow tablets, share your prescription or change the course on your own. Follow the instructions written for you.
Ask the doctor to write down the medicine names, how and when to take them, and whom to contact with questions. Tell them about any other medicines, supplements or allergies, as some can interact with PEP. Ask what to do if a dose is missed.
Take your doses at about the same time each day and finish the full course, even if you feel well. If the label and the doctor’s advice seem different, ask before taking the next dose.
04 · GUIDE
How can you compare government and private costs?
PEP is available free at government ART centres. Private clinics charge for the consultation, tests and medicines, and the cost varies. Ask for a clear estimate before you start — but never let cost delay getting advice within 72 hours.
A good estimate lists the consultation, tests, medicines and follow-up separately. At Dr. Monga Clinic the consultation fee is ₹2,000; medicine and test costs are explained after your assessment.
Many people choose a private consultation for one-to-one guidance from an experienced doctor, complete privacy and home delivery of medicines.
05 · GUIDE
What should you know about PEP side effects and support?
Most people take modern PEP medicines without serious problems. Some get mild nausea, tiredness, headache or an upset stomach in the first few days, which usually settle as the body adjusts.
If a side effect bothers you, tell your doctor or pharmacist — it can usually be managed without stopping PEP. Do not stop, change or add any medicine on your own.
Get urgent medical help for severe symptoms such as a rash with fever, yellow eyes or difficulty breathing. Keep your medicine label handy when you call.
06 · GUIDE
What should you do after a missed or extra dose?
If you missed a dose, took it late or may have taken an extra one, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Tell them the medicine name, when the dose was due and when you took it. The right advice depends on these details.
Do not double the next dose, stop the course or restart it on your own. Keep the medicine pack nearby when you call. There is no need to feel embarrassed — missed doses happen and can be managed.
If you feel very unwell after an extra dose, seek urgent medical help. A daily phone reminder can help you take doses on time.
07 · GUIDE
How well does PEP work?
PEP greatly lowers the chance of HIV infection when it is started early and taken correctly, but no medicine is 100% effective. How well it works depends on how soon it is started, taking every dose and completing follow-up tests.
Symptoms, or the lack of them, cannot tell you whether PEP worked. Only follow-up HIV tests can confirm your status. Keep your test appointments and contact the doctor if you have any doubt.
Ask the doctor when your next test is due and whom to contact between visits.
08 · GUIDE
What HIV testing may be needed during and after PEP?
An HIV test is usually done before starting PEP to check that you are not already HIV positive. Some people also need kidney, liver or hepatitis B tests. A test done very soon after an exposure cannot show whether infection has happened, so follow-up tests matter.
Follow-up HIV tests are done after PEP, at times your doctor sets according to current guidelines. Ask for these dates in writing and keep the appointments even if you feel well.
Keep your reports together. If you change doctors, share your earlier results so your follow-up stays on track.
09 · GUIDE
How are PEP and PrEP different?
PEP is taken for 28 days after a possible exposure. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is taken regularly before possible future exposure, by people who may be at ongoing risk. They are different and cannot replace each other.
After PEP, some people move on to PrEP. This needs an HIV test and a doctor’s advice first — never switch on your own. Ask our doctor whether PrEP suits your lifestyle.
If you have needed PEP more than once, PrEP may be a better option for you.
10 · GUIDE
Can everyday contact transmit HIV?
No. HIV does not spread through hugging, shaking hands, sharing food, toilets, mosquito bites or touching ordinary surfaces. It spreads mainly through unprotected sex, shared needles, infected blood and from mother to baby.
A person’s looks or lifestyle cannot tell you their HIV status. If a specific incident worries you — such as a cut from a used blade — describe it to a doctor. Our everyday HIV risks guide explains ten common situations.
If the incident was recent or involved an injury, contact a doctor quickly for advice.
11 · GUIDE
What support is available after sexual assault?
If you have experienced sexual assault, you deserve respectful, private care. Seek medical help as soon as possible. A doctor can check for injuries, arrange tests and start PEP within 72 hours if needed. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services.
You can ask to speak privately and to have every step explained. You may bring a trusted person if you wish. You will not be blamed — getting care is your right.
Government hospitals also provide care and PEP after sexual assault. A counsellor or advocate can support you through the next steps.
12 · GUIDE
How can you manage anxiety during and after care?
Worry while waiting for tests is very common. Anxiety does not mean you have HIV, and feeling calm does not replace testing. A clear plan from your doctor and support from someone you trust can help.
Searching online again and again often makes worry worse. Write down your questions and ask your doctor instead. If anxiety affects your sleep or daily life, ask about counselling. If you feel unsafe or think you may harm yourself, contact emergency help or someone you trust immediately.
Limit your searching and keep one trusted contact for your questions.
13 · GUIDE
Which WHO and NACO guidance is relevant to PEP?
This guide follows the WHO 2024 Guidelines for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis and NACO’s PEP guidance for India. These are the official sources doctors use when deciding on PEP.
Both recommend starting PEP as early as possible within the 72-hour window and completing a 28-day course, with follow-up HIV testing. Your doctor applies this guidance to your own situation.
Guidelines are updated from time to time, so always follow the latest advice from your doctor.
14 · GUIDE
Where can you ask for PEP care?
Visit our clinics in Lajpat Nagar 4 and Dwarka Sector 9 (New Delhi) or DLF Phase 4 (Gurugram), or consult our doctor online from anywhere in India. After assessment you get a prescription, and your medicines can be delivered to your door, usually within 12–24 hours.
PEP is also available free at government ART centres and hospital emergency departments. Whichever you choose, act quickly — PEP must start within 72 hours.
Call 8010977000 or WhatsApp 919999219128 to book. See all city options on our homepage.
QUESTIONS PEOPLE ASK
What questions do people ask about PEP?
What does PEP mean?
PEP means post-exposure prophylaxis — a short course of HIV medicines a doctor may prescribe after a possible exposure to lower the chance of infection.
What should I do after a possible exposure?
Contact a doctor as soon as possible — PEP must start within 72 hours. Explain when and how it happened. Do not wait for symptoms.
Can I take PEP again after a new exposure?
Yes, if a doctor advises it. Every new exposure needs a fresh assessment. Never reuse leftover tablets. If you need PEP often, ask about PrEP.
How long is a PEP course?
PEP is usually taken for 28 days. Follow your own prescription and complete the full course.
When should I test?
An HIV test is usually done before starting PEP, and follow-up tests are done after the course at times your doctor sets. Ask for your test dates in writing.
Is a consultation confidential?
Yes. At Dr. Monga Clinic your consultation, test results and records are kept private.
A HUMAN NEXT STEP
How can you ask about a confidential assessment?
Talk to our doctor privately at a Delhi NCR clinic or online from anywhere in India. Fast prescription, home delivery of medicines and complete confidentiality.
