Compare Medication Options
PrEP, PEP, and DoxyPEP: What’s the difference?
There are several medications that can help protect you and your partner(s) from HIV and certain other sexually transmitted infections. Learn more about the difference between PrEP, PEP, and DoxyPEP below.
To see which one might be right for you, find a trusted healthcare provider who can help.
| PREP | PEP | DOXYPEP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What’s this medication for? | PrEP helps prevent HIV infection before exposure | PEP helps prevent HIV infection after potential exposure | DoxyPEP helps prevent bacterial STIs (like syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea) after potential exposure |
| Does it prevent HIV? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Does it prevent STIs? | No | No | Yes |
| When should I start taking it? | Before exposure | Within 24 hours after exposure, up to 72 hours | Within 24 hours after exposure, up to 72 hours |
| How do I take this medication and for how long? | Pills taken daily OR injection given by healthcare provider every 2 months | Pills taken for 28 days after exposure | Pills taken as a single dose after exposure |
| Do I need a prescription? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Who should use this medication? | People without HIV who may be exposed to HIV through sex or shared needles, syringes, or other drug use equipment | People without HIV who have had a potential exposure to HIV through sex or injection drug use | Gay, bisexual, other men who have sex with men, and transgender women who had a bacterial STI within the past 12 months |
Looking for sexual health services?
Find low- to no-cost sexual health services near you, like PrEP, STI testing, and more on the Service Locator Map.
Is PrEP right for you?
PrEP is a medication that helps prevent HIV. Take a short quiz to find out if it may be right for you.