07 — FAQ
Questions, answered.
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How soon do I need to start PEP?
As soon as possible: ideally within 2 hours, and no later than 72 hours after the exposure. PEP becomes less effective with every hour that passes, so contact us straight away rather than waiting for a “normal” appointment.
How effective is PEP?
When started early and taken every day for the full 28 days, PEP greatly reduces the chance of HIV infection. It is not 100% effective, which is why follow-up HIV testing after your course is an important part of treatment.
Does PEP have side effects?
Modern PEP medicines are generally well tolerated. Some people have mild nausea, tiredness, headache or an upset stomach in the first days, which usually settle. Your doctor will explain what to expect and what to do if you feel unwell.
I’m a tourist and leaving Thailand soon. Can I still get PEP?
Yes. You’ll leave with the complete 28-day course and a medical summary, so you can finish the treatment and arrange follow-up testing with a doctor in your home country.
Do I need an appointment?
Call or message us first so we can prepare for your visit and give you the earliest possible time. PEP requests are always treated as urgent.
What is the difference between PEP and PrEP?
PEP is taken after a possible exposure to HIV, as an emergency measure. PrEP is taken before exposure by people who want ongoing protection. Many people start PrEP straight after finishing a PEP course.
What if more than 72 hours have passed?
PEP is generally not recommended after 72 hours. You should still speak to a doctor: we can advise on HIV testing at the right times, check for other infections and discuss PrEP for the future.
Is my visit confidential?
Yes. Your consultation, test results and medical records are kept strictly private and are never shared without your consent.
While taking PEP
Living with the 28 days.
Practical questions people ask once they have started their course.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take it as soon as you remember, then continue at your usual time. If you have missed more than one dose, or you’re not sure what to do, contact us for advice. Don’t double up without checking.
Can I drink alcohol while taking PEP?
Alcohol doesn’t stop PEP working, but heavy drinking makes it much easier to miss or vomit up doses. If you drink, keep taking your tablets on time.
Can I have sex while I’m on PEP?
PEP is not full protection during the course. Use condoms until you have finished PEP and your follow-up HIV tests are clear.
Does PEP protect against other STIs?
No. PEP only reduces the risk of HIV. We recommend screening for other infections such as syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia after a possible exposure.
Will PEP interact with my other medicines?
Some medicines and supplements, including certain antacids, iron and calcium, can interfere with PEP. Tell the doctor everything you take so we can advise on timing or alternatives.
Can I take PEP more than once?
Yes, PEP can be used again after another exposure. If you find you need it often, PrEP is usually a better option, and we can help you switch.
More answers
More PEP questions, answered in depth.
How much does PEP cost in Pattaya?
A full private course in Thailand usually costs a few thousand baht, including the consultation, a baseline HIV test and 28 days of medicine. Our guide to the PEP price in Pattaya sets out approximate ranges, and we confirm your price before you start.
Can I buy PEP at a pharmacy in Thailand?
PEP is a prescription medicine, and starting it without a baseline HIV test and a doctor’s assessment is risky. The fastest safe route is usually a same-day clinic visit.
I took my PEP tablet a few hours late. Is that a problem?
An occasional dose a few hours late is usually fine: take it as soon as you remember and carry on at your normal time. Check your medicine’s leaflet for its exact rule, and never double the next dose.
Our guide on what to do if you take PEP late covers every scenario.
Can I get PEP if I’m staying in Jomtien or Naklua?
Yes. Message us first with the time of the exposure, then travel, because none of these areas is far from central Pattaya.
See getting PEP near Jomtien and Naklua for transport options at night.
Is HIV common in Pattaya?
There is no official HIV rate for Pattaya itself. National UNAIDS estimates put adult prevalence in Thailand at about 1%, and your own risk depends on the exposure and the prevention you use.
Should I also have an STI test after a possible exposure?
Usually yes, because PEP only reduces the risk of HIV. Many infections need a little time before a test is reliable, so the timing matters.
Our guide to STI testing in Pattaya and when to test explains which test to take and when.
Pattaya, Thailand
Don’t wait until tomorrow.
Worried about a recent exposure? Talk to us now. It’s confidential, and the sooner you start, the better PEP works.