HIV UG ORG is a non-governmental organization, established in 2015. HIV UG ORG is a leader in the HIV/AIDS and Response in Uganda. HIV UG located in Kampala works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, saving lives. Annually, HIV UG ORG provides comprehensive and differentiated high quality HIV/AIDS prevention, care,{ PEP and PREP tablets } and support and other medical services to over 21,000 vulnerable clients in Kampala, Mukono, Wakiso and beyond with love and dignity.
Together We Can End AIDS
HIV UG ORG has emphasized that this is not the time to slow down the efforts on global AIDS, but rather that we must grab the moment to build on the progress made and reach an AIDS free generation.
Summary
Post-exposure prophylaxis, also called PEP, is a safe, effective prescription medicine that you can take after a possible exposure to reduce the risk of getting HIV.
PEP is taken every day for 28 days, and it is most effective when you take all doses as prescribed.
If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, talk to your health care provider, visit an urgent care or emergency room, or use the HIV Services Locator to find a PEP provider near you.
What Is PEP?
HIV PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, is a 28-day course of daily oral HIV medicines taken very soon after a possible exposure to HIV to prevent the virus from taking hold in your body.
The sooner PEP is started after a possible HIV exposure, the better. Ideally, you should start it within 24 hours of a known or possible HIV exposure. You must start it within 72 hours (3 days) after a possible exposure to HIV, or it won’t work. Every hour counts!
PEP should be used only in emergency situations. It is not meant for regular use by people who may be exposed to HIV frequently.
How Do You Know If You Need PEP?
PEP may be right for you if you are HIV-negative or don’t know your HIV status, and you think you may have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours:
During sex (for example, you had condomless sex or a condom broke with a partner of unknown HIV
status or a partner with HIV who is not virally suppressed, and you were not using PrEP)
Through shared needles, syringes, or other equipment used to inject drugs (for example, cookers)
Through sexual assault
Through a possible workplace exposure, such as from needlestick injury. Workplace HIV transmission is extremely rare.
Where Can You Get PEP?
If you think you were recently exposed to HIV, contact 0727446120 for urgent care clinic right away
How Long Do You Need to Take PEP?
If you are prescribed PEP, you will need to take the HIV medicines every day for 28 days. It is important to take all the doses as prescribed to give PEP the best chance of working.
You will also need to return to your health care provider at certain times while taking PEP and after you finish taking it for follow-up HIV testing at 4 to 6 weeks and at 3 months and for other lab tests.
How Well Does PEP Work?
PEP is effective in preventing HIV infection when it’s taken correctly, but it’s not 100% effective. The sooner you start PEP after a possible HIV exposure, the better.
While taking PEP, it’s important to use other HIV prevention methods, such as using condoms the right way, every time you have sex and using only new, sterile needles and works when injecting drugs.
Does PEP Cause Side Effects?
PEP is safe, but the HIV medicines used for PEP may cause side effects like nausea in some people. In almost all cases, these side effects can be treated and aren’t life-threatening.
If you are taking PEP, talk to your health care provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
PEP medicines may also interact with other medicines that a person is taking (called a drug interaction). For this reason, it’s important to tell your health care provider about any other medicines that you take, including over the counter medications, street drugs, and alcohol.
Can You Take PEP When You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
Yes. PEP is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult with a health care provider about PEP and which PEP regimen is right for you.
Can You Take PEP Every Time You Have a Potential Exposure to HIV?
No. PEP should be used only in emergency situations. It is not intended to replace regular use of other HIV prevention methods. If you feel that you might be exposed to HIV frequently, talk to your health care provider about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).
How Can You Protect Yourself from HIV after PEP?
If you believe that you may have a repeat or ongoing exposure to HIV – either sexually or through injection drug use – after completing your 28-day course of PEP medications, talk to your health care provider about the HIV prevention options available for you. You might want to transition to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to continue to reduce your risk for acquiring HIV.