PrEP
Is a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy that involves the daily use of Antiretroviral medications to reduce the risk of HIV infection in HIV-negetive individuals. In July 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Truvada (TDF/FTC) for use as PrEP in HIV prevention in sexually active HIV-negative individuals. PrEP should be used in conjunction with other preventive methods to reduce the risk of infection.

nPEP
Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) involves taking Antiretroviral medications as soon as possible after a potential exposure to HIV to reduce the likelihood of HIV infection. There are two types of PEP: 1) occupational PEP, or an exposure that happens in the workplace (such as a needle stick in a HealthCare setting), and 2) non-occupational PEP (nPEP), or when someone is potentially exposed to HIV through sexual intercourse or injection drug use.

*To be effective, PEP must begin with 72 hours of exposure and consists of 2-3 Antiretroviral medications that must be taken for 28 days. A physician must determine what treatment is appropriate based on nature of the exposure. Starting PEP after a potential exposure does not guarantee that someone exposed to HIV will not become infected.