Where do I Get PEP in Toronto?
PEP can prevent HIV, even after exposure to the virus. But time is of the essence and every hour counts.
If you think you may have been exposed to HIV through unprotected sex or a contaminated needle – and you're not on PrEP – taking PEP for about 28 days can prevent HIV infection.
When should I start PEP?
When it comes to PEP, time matters.
The sooner you start PEP, the more effective the treatment.
You must start taking PEP as soon as possible after HIV exposure, to help prevent HIV infection. Research has shown that the sooner you start PEP after exposure, ideally within 24 to 48 hours, the greater the chance that you'll prevent HIV infection. PEP is not effective if you start taking it more than 72 hours after exposure.
PEP.
(post-exposure prophylaxis)
Prevent HIV after exposure with PEP. You must start PEP within 72 hours of exposure. Find out how to get PEP here.
Step-by-step for PEP treatment in Toronto:
Step 1: Go to Emerg
As soon as you realize you may have been exposed to HIV, go to the emergency department at a hospital nearest you, ideally within 24 to 48 hours. The sooner the better. St. Michael's Hospital Emergency Room in downtown Toronto has the most experience in PEP.
Or, for gay men, HQ Toronto at 790 Bay Street can assess and prescribe PEP on a walk-in basis. Learn more about HQ’s PEP Clinic here.
Step 2: Explain the Situation
Be prepared to share details of how you think you were exposed with the medical staff. Bring along a trusted friend or family member for moral support if you can.
You may need to take some tests. Based on the results, the ER doctor could recommend PEP to prevent HIV infection.
The hospital may give you a 2 day supply of PEP medications so you can start taking the medication right away, along with a prescription for PEP.
Step 3: Get your prescription filled as soon as possible.
Get your PEP prescription filled at The Village Pharmacy. We have all PEP medications in stock, always. Download The Village Pharmacy app to send us your prescription, or get in touch. All our 3 locations of The Village Pharmacy in Toronto carry PEP, and are conveniently accessible by transit.
We always have PEP meds in stock and we will answer any questions you might have about taking PEP.
Step 4: Take your medication as prescribed.
Take all your medication as prescribed, usually about 28 days in total.
Step 5: See your doctor for follow-up. Consider PrEP.
Please go to all follow-up appointments with your doctor.
Once things have settled down, you may consider talking to your doctor about starting PrEP, which will give you ongoing protection from HIV infection.
If you have any questions about PEP or insurance coverage, get in touch with us at The Village Pharmacy. We're here to help.
Will PEP still work if its been more than 72 hours since I think I was exposed to HIV?
PEP is not effective after 72 hours of exposure.
If it has been longer than 72 hours and you're worried you may have been exposed to HIV, get to an HIV doctor or HIV testing clinic right away and get tested for HIV.
What is the window period for getting an HIV test?
There is a 'window period' between the time you were infected and when an HIV test result shows positive. The window period can last anytime from 10 days to 3 months, and the results of an HIV test depends on the person, and the test being used. During this window period, HIV is easily transmitted to a sexual partner, and you may be at higher risk for STIs. If you're not sure of your HIV status, you could take a break, or if you do have sex, its good practice to use condoms during this time.