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PEP is a four-week course of anti-HIV medication. It prevents HIV after unprotected sex. Start taking PEP as soon as possible, but no more than 72 hours after possible exposure.
When to use PEP
Not everyone has to take PEP after unprotected sex. Only use PEP if the risk of HIV infection is high. For example:
- If you had anal sex without a condom with someone who may be HIV infected, and you are not taking PrEP, or
- If you experienced sexual abuse, or
- If you shared a needle with someone to inject drugs
PEP at GGD Amsterdam Public Health Service
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Please call us for advice or an appointment: 020 555 5822 (Monday to Friday 08:30-17:00). If you call us as early as possible, you will be able to drop by on the same day. You can also make an appointment online.
Sexual abuse
The Sexual Assault Centre (Centrum Seksueel Geweld) can help you if you have been sexually assaulted or raped. They can provide you with PEP or offer other types of help and support. Call 0800 0188 or take a look online
At weekends and outside office hours
Go to the Emergency Department of one of the following hospitals to obtain PEP at weekends or outside office hours. They will decide whether you need PEP. If you do, they will provide you with a starter kit so that you can start taking it right away.
Repeat prescription and follow-up checks at Municipal Health Service (GGD)
You will need to go to the GGD Amsterdam Public Health Service on the next working day for the repeat prescription and the follow-up checks. Depending on the reason that you need to take PEP, you can contact one of the following departments:
- Centre for Sexual Health (Centrum voor Seksuele Gezondheid) for PEP after unprotected sex
- Sexual Assault Centre (Centrum voor Seksueel Geweld) for PEP after sexual violence
- Infectious Diseases for PEP after high-risk injuries
Costs for PEP
Dutch health insurance companies cover PEP treatment. It will be part of your excess. Don’t forget your insurance policy details and proof of identity when you go to the pharmacy.
Foreign health insurance
If you have foreign health insurance, you will have to pay for the entire PEP course yourself at the pharmacy. The treatment course costs approximately €1000. Check with your insurer whether you can claim reimbursement retrospectively.
Additional information and contact
Difference between PrEP and PEP
PrEP and PEP are both HIV inhibitors that can prevent HIV. However, there is a major difference between the two:
- PEP is a treatment that should be taken as soon as possible after possible exposure to HIV, such as after unprotected sex.
- PrEP on the other hand, is taken in advance to prevent infection.
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact us. We are happy to help.