PEP

You should take PEP if you are HIV-negative and have been exposed to a high risk of HIV infection. For example, anal (top or bottom), vaginal, or oral sex without a condom, or if the condom broke:  

• With a partner who is HIV-positive with a high viral load (above 200 copies/mL of blood) or unknown  

• With a partner whose HIV status you do not know and who is part of a group at higher risk of HIV infection  

This applies regardless of the depth or duration of penetration.  

PEP is also recommended after sharing drug injection equipment with an HIV-positive person or a person whose HIV status is unknown and who belongs to a group considered at higher risk of HIV infection.   

Finally, PEP is generally recommended for people whose consent has not been respected in a sexual context.  

To get PEP, go as soon as possible to:  

• a hospital emergency room   

• an HIV/STBBI clinic (during opening hours)  

• a SIDEP (emergency drug dispensing service)  

• a pharmacy  

Ideally, PEP should be started within 2 hours after sexual intercourse that carries a risk of HIV transmission, and no later than 72 hours (3 days). You can contact Info-Santé (811) or your local HIV organization to find out where to go. It can be prescribed by any doctor, specialized nurses, and now in many pharmacies.  

Unfortunately, some healthcare professionals are still not familiar with this treatment. You may have to insist on getting it at the emergency room. If possible, consult a clinic that specializes in HIV and STBBIs.  

To find the location nearest you, use the zip code search tool.

If you are prescribed PEP, you will have follow-up appointments during and after treatment:  

• To perform HIV tests to determine whether or not you are infected  

• To assess and reduce any side effects from the medication  

Side effects may include: 

• Fatigue 

• Nausea or headache 

• Diarrhea 

• Vomiting 

These effects usually disappear after treatment begins. In any case, your doctor can help you reduce them. 

Although PEP is highly effective, it is not guaranteed. It is recommended that you use condoms during treatment to avoid further exposure to HIV.

Treatment is covered by public drug insurance plans and group insurance plans. 

If you are covered by Quebec’s public drug insurance plan (RAMQ), PEP will cost you the maximum monthly amount, which is approximately $102.64 (2025).  

If you have group insurance, the amount may vary depending on your insurance policy. Check with your insurance company for more information.  

Without insurance, treatment for 28 days costs between $800 and $1,300, plus the costs associated with medical appointments. 

Before prescribing PEP, medical staff will assess the situation:  

• They will check your HIV status with an HIV test.  

• They will ask you if you know the HIV status of the person you had sex with.  

• If that person is HIV-positive, they will try to quickly obtain their viral load value and find out if they are taking their HIV treatment as prescribed and if there is any viral resistance. PEP is not prescribed when the person’s viral load is undetectable (below 200 copies per milliliter of blood). However, if injection equipment has been shared, it will still be recommended. 

• They will check how long ago you were exposed to the risk. Treatment must be started as soon as possible, within 72 hours at the latest and ideally within 2 hours of exposure.  

• They will check the level of risk. In general, treatment is recommended when there is a high risk of infection. High-risk practices include unprotected anal, frontal, or vaginal intercourse with a partner whose HIV status is unknown or whose viral load is detectable, and sharing drug injection equipment.