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HIV PEP (PEPSE): immediate actions, regimen, and follow-up

A detailed Australian summary of hiv pep (pepse): immediate actions, regimen, and follow-up, with source-attributed priorities, a practical workflow, safety escalation and state or territory implementation boundaries.

JurisdictionAustralia
Source check2026-08-20
Clinical reviewiatroX editorial team 路 Clinical editorial review 路 reviewed 2026-08-20 路 due 2027-08-20
AudienceHealthcare professionals practising in Australia
This is an iatroX educational summary of named Australia sources, not an official guideline. It does not replace the complete source documents, local policy, specialist advice or clinical judgement. Apply current TGA product information, PBS restrictions, state or territory law, local referral criteria, formulary and antimicrobial policy. A national recommendation does not create uniform service access.

Scope

Assess source HIV status, exposure route, tissue, fluid, timing and modifying factors immediately; do not delay first PEP dose while chasing non-essential information. Start PEP as soon as possible and within the Australian maximum interval when exposure is eligible, using the current national regimen. This summary is limited to the population, decisions and escalation boundaries stated in the named source.
sources for this section:Australian PEP Guidelines

The Bottom Line

  • Assess source HIV status, exposure route, tissue, fluid, timing and modifying factors immediately; do not delay first PEP dose while chasing non-essential information.
  • Start PEP as soon as possible and within the Australian maximum interval when exposure is eligible, using the current national regimen.
  • Three-drug PEP is usually continued for twenty-eight days under national guidance, with exact regimen verified for organ function and interactions.
  • Obtain baseline HIV, hepatitis B and C, STI, pregnancy and kidney or liver tests without delaying treatment and address hepatitis B prophylaxis.
sources for this section:Australian PEP Guidelines

Practical clinical workflow

1

Topic-specific assessment action

Assess source HIV status, exposure route, tissue, fluid, timing and modifying factors immediately; do not delay first PEP dose while chasing non-essential information.
2

Topic-specific diagnostic action

Obtain baseline HIV, hepatitis B and C, STI, pregnancy and kidney or liver tests without delaying treatment and address hepatitis B prophylaxis.
3

Topic-specific management action

Check interactions and adherence, supply the complete course or assured access, and schedule follow-up HIV and other blood-borne-virus testing.
4

Topic-specific follow-through

Hepatitis B non-immunity after sexual exposure may need vaccination and immunoglobulin on a separate urgent timeline.
sources for this section:Australian PEP Guidelines

Safety boundaries and escalation

  • If exposure is ongoing, transition from PEP to PrEP without an unprotected gap under specialist advice; suspected acute HIV needs urgent expert review.
  • Provide emergency contraception and sexual-assault support when relevant without making police reporting a condition of care.
sources for this section:Australian PEP Guidelines

Implementation

The named source is national or binational guidance used in Australia, but referral access, public-health directions, formularies and funded services can still differ by state, territory and health service. Check current TGA product information for medicines. Offer culturally safe care and use the NACCHO鈥揜ACGP National Guide where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander preventive or chronic-care recommendations differ.
sources for this section:Australian PEP Guidelines

Clinical use boundary

This independently written summary is not an official guideline. Check the linked source version, current TGA-approved product information where medicines are involved, and the applicable state, territory and local pathway at the point of care.

sources for this section:Australian PEP Guidelines

Source documents

Use the linked source documents for complete recommendations, evidence grading, exclusions and implementation detail.

  1. Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health MedicineAustralian National Guidelines for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis after potential exposure to HIV2025 living web guideline 路 accessed 2026-08-20
    view source
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