Get PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) in Toronto

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Lower Your Chances of Developing HIV with PEP

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PEP, is a 28-day course of treatment for individuals who are HIV negative and may have been exposed to HIV either through occupational (i.e. workplace incidents, needlesticks) or non-occupational exposure (i.e. condomless sex, injection drug usage).

When it comes to PEP, every hour matters.

In order for the meds to be as effective as possible, the course of treatment needs to be initiated within 72 hours of the potential exposure.

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Get PEP in Toronto

Get PEP in Toronto

PEP = Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

PEP = Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

Get PEP in Toronto

Get PEP in Toronto

PEP 101

PEP should only be taken by individuals who are HIV negative.

When an individual thinks they have been exposed to HIV, they should immediately seek medical attention through an emergency department or clinic, as well as consult with their healthcare provider about PEP.

PEP is only effective if it is initiated within 72 hours of the initial exposure. Every hour matters.

The antiretroviral medications work by interfering with the the way in which the virus multiplies in the body causing lifelong infection with HIV.

Although PEP is effective in preventing HIV infection, there may be some potential side effects. A small percentage of people taking PEP may experience the most common side effect which is stomach upset including nausea and/or fatigue.

The severity of these side effects depends entirely on the individual and which meds are prescribed.

A more serious adverse event includes resistance to treatment if an individual does not take PEP consistently and daily during the 28 days and then later is diagnosed HIV+ (positive) - thankfully, this rarely occurs when someone has access to healthcare.

The medsEXPERT team has years of experience helping our clients navigate HIV exposures and getting started on PEP.

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  • “I feel compelled to share the great experience I just had at this pharmacy. From my initial phone call which entailed specific questions on a specific medication and procedure of actually procuring the medication, I was led and guided without rush or judgement. I was able to meet the same pharmacist’s assistant upon picking up the prescription who again took time to guide and give further resources. It was just nice to have legitimately caring staff help when needed. Great work and thanks again.”

    — Nathan R.

  • “This pharmacy brings the idea of 'medical care' to a whole new level. Not only did they make it extremely simple for me to transfer my medical needs to their location, I noted that they know their other customers well & treat them with great respect. While I was there with one staff member, another customer had to discuss some of their medication situation; the staff member was gentle, kind and took them further back to a consultation area so that they could discuss their medical needs openly in a safe & private environment. I was VERY impressed and I'm 100% confident that I've found my neighbourhood pharmacy for life.”

    — Darren D.

  • "The best pharmacy + clinic with a great team Michael and the team are amazing, patient and very understanding. I feel safe going to this pharmacy and making sure about my needs will be served in good hands. 👏🏻"

    — Sam H.

  • “This is the best pharmacy in Toronto, hands down. You get treated like a person and not just a ‘number’. It’s owned by a LGBTQ+ community member and they got a lot of resources available! Look no further. Forget Shoppers and come to this pharmacy!”

    — Alex A.

PEP vs. PrEP

PEP should not be used as part of an individual’s preventative measure strategy. This is an emergency treatment when there is an accidental exposure.

For a preventative measure strategy prior to exposure, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is recommended.

Our expert healthcare providers can help you decide between PEP and PrEP and get you started as quickly as possible.