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Urgent HIV PEP Online
Had a possible HIV exposure in the last 72 hours? PEP needs to start as soon as possible. Speak to an Australian doctor now, or use your state PEP line below.
Bulk-Billed Consultations and Testing with Medicare
Private Fee - for non-Medicare patients
HIV PEP: Start Within 72 Hours
Medically reviewed by Dr Vafa Derakshan, MBBS, FRACGP · AHPRA MED0001663310 · Last reviewed: 4 October 2026
If you've had a possible HIV exposure, don't wait. PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) must start within 72 hours, and the sooner the better. If our clinic is closed (we're open 9am to 7pm Sydney time, 7 days), call your state PEP line or go to your nearest emergency department.
Looking for Doxy-PEP? That's a different treatment: a single antibiotic dose taken after sex to lower the risk of syphilis and chlamydia. It doesn't protect against HIV. See our Doxy-PEP page.
What PEP is
PEP is a 28-day course of HIV medicines that lowers the chance of HIV taking hold after an exposure. Most people take two medicines once a day; a third medicine is added for some higher-risk exposures.
When you might need PEP
- Condomless anal or vaginal sex, or a condom broke, with a partner who has HIV and isn't on effective treatment, or whose status you don't know
- Sharing needles or injecting equipment
- Sexual assault. Please also seek care from a hospital emergency department or sexual assault service, or call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Usually not needed: after oral sex, because the risk of HIV is extremely low, or if your partner has HIV and an undetectable viral load, because HIV isn't passed on through sex when the viral load is undetectable. If you're not sure which applies to you, speak to a doctor or your state PEP line anyway. It's better to ask than to miss the 72-hour window.
Getting PEP through STI Doctor
- Book an urgent consult. Same-day appointments are usually available during opening hours.
- Risk assessment. Your doctor asks about the exposure to work out if PEP is recommended and which medicines you need.
- eScript and tests. If PEP is right for you, your eScript is sent to your phone, along with a pathology request for baseline tests.
- Follow-up. Current guidelines recommend follow-up HIV tests at about 2 and 6 weeks. We'll remind you.
While you're taking PEP
- Take it every day for the full 28 days, at about the same time each day.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for the next one. If 72 hours or more have passed since your last dose, stop and talk to your doctor.
- Use condoms (and sterile injecting equipment) until your final HIV test at 6 weeks.
- Current PEP medicines are usually well tolerated. If side effects make it hard to keep going, talk to your doctor rather than stopping on your own.
Cost
Consultations are bulk-billed for eligible Medicare card holders. Unlike PrEP, PEP isn't on the PBS, so it's a private script; Australian guidelines put a generic two-drug course at around $40 to $50.
State PEP lines and after-hours help
- NSW: 1800 737 669 (NSW PEP Hotline)
- VIC: 1800 889 887 (Victorian HIV Prevention Service, weekday business hours)
- QLD: 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84), 24/7
- SA: 1800 022 226, 24/7
- WA: 1300 767 161, 24/7
- TAS: 1800 675 859 (business hours)
- ACT: Canberra Sexual Health Centre, (02) 5124 2184 (clinic hours)
- NT: Clinic 34, 08 8999 2678 (clinic hours)
- Anywhere, after hours: your nearest emergency department, or healthdirect on 1800 022 222
After PEP
If you're likely to be at risk again, you can start PrEP straight after finishing PEP. Your doctor can arrange it at your follow-up. It's also a good time for a full STI check.
Frequently asked questions
How soon do I need to start PEP?
As soon as possible, and within 72 hours of the exposure. The earlier it starts, the better it works.
Can I get PEP online?
Yes. During our opening hours a doctor can assess you by phone or video and send an eScript to your phone. Outside our hours, call your state PEP line or go to an emergency department so you don't lose time.
How much does PEP cost?
The consultation is bulk-billed for eligible Medicare card holders. PEP isn't PBS-listed, so it's a private script; Australian guidelines put a generic two-drug course at around $40 to $50.
What tests do I need after PEP?
Current guidelines recommend HIV tests at the start and follow-up tests at about 2 and 6 weeks. Your doctor will arrange these.
Is PEP the same as PrEP?
No. PEP is an emergency 28-day course after an exposure. PrEP is taken before possible exposures to prevent HIV. You can start PrEP straight after finishing PEP.
What if it's been more than 72 hours?
PEP isn't recommended after 72 hours, because it's unlikely to work by then. You should still get tested: an HIV test now and again at 6 weeks, plus a full STI check. If you're likely to be at risk again, ask your doctor about PrEP.
Can I get PEP at a pharmacy without a prescription?
No. PEP is a prescription medicine, so you need a doctor's assessment first. Once you have an eScript, any pharmacy can fill it, but not every pharmacy keeps PEP in stock, so call ahead. After hours, a hospital emergency department is often the fastest place to start it.
Can I get PEP if I don't have Medicare?
Yes. Without Medicare, our consultation is $55 on weekdays and $75 on weekends and public holidays, and you pay for the medicine at the pharmacy. Your state PEP line can also tell you about public services near you.
Do I need PEP after oral sex?
Usually not. The risk of HIV from oral sex is extremely low, so Australian guidelines don't routinely recommend PEP. A doctor may still assess you in unusual situations, such as a significant injury in the mouth or bleeding gums.
My partner has HIV but an undetectable viral load. Do I need PEP?
Usually not. People with HIV who have an undetectable viral load don't pass HIV on through sex, so PEP isn't routinely recommended. If you're not sure whether their viral load is undetectable, talk to a doctor.
What if I miss a dose of PEP?
Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. Don't double up. If 72 hours or more have passed since your last dose, stop and contact your doctor.
Do I need to use condoms while I'm on PEP?
Yes. Guidelines recommend condoms for anal and vaginal sex, and sterile injecting equipment, until your final HIV test at 6 weeks.
Related guides
- HIV testing online
- How to get PrEP in Australia, or start with our PrEP page
- When to test after unprotected sex
- What a full STI check includes
Sources: ASHM Australian National Guidelines for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (2025); Get PEP: state PEP hotlines.
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