Medicines for AIDS 521
Preventing HIV right after a woman has been exposed to it
When a woman is exposed to HIV, for example when a health worker is stuck with a
needle or a woman is raped by someone who probably has HIV, it is sometimes possible
to prevent getting HIV by taking ART medicines for a short time.This is called Post
Exposure Prophylaxis, or PEP.
If you think you have been exposed to HIV (see page 285 for information about
how HIV is spread), talk with a health worker you trust as soon as possible about
whether starting PEP is the best decision for you. PEP works best if you start taking
medicines within a few hours, and no later than 3 days after, exposure. Start one of the
ART combinations on page 519, preferably Combination 2 or Combination 4. Other
combinations may be available and recommended in your area. Whatever combination
you use, take the medicines for 28 days.
Where Women Have No Doctor  2012