Treatment for HIV

If someone has been exposed in the workplace to HIV, he or she can begin a post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which is a series of antiretroviral medications (ARTs). These medications must begin within 72 hours of exposure, or they are no longer beneficial. The PEP treatment is usually a series of three medications taken multiple times throughout the day for up to 30 days. These are very harsh medications with a long list of negative side effects, often resulting in the PEP taker not completing the prescribed cycle. If you have been exposed to HIV, start PEP as quickly as possible, as every hour counts.

To learn more about Bloodborne Pathogens visit our Bloodborne Pathogens Safety Online Training web page.