PEP
After exposure- When
- After a possible exposure, within 72 hours
- Who
- Anyone with a recent one-off exposure
- How long
- One Time, Advised as per Doctor
- How urgent
- Time-critical, start ASAP
Emergency exposure care · PEP
Possible HIV exposure ? Talk to a doctor right away.
PEP must be started within 72 hours of a possible exposure, and the sooner the better. With 20+ years in HIV care, our doctors will assess your situation confidentially and guide you through every step that follows.
- Online & in-clinic
- Start within 72 hours
- 24/7 helpline
- Confidential
- 20+ years in HIV care
Why timing matters ?
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The 72-hour window
PEP must be started within 72 hours of a possible exposure. After that, it's generally no longer recommended.
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Earlier is better
The sooner PEP begins, the better it works. Don't wait for clinic hours or symptoms.
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A doctor decides
Not every exposure needs PEP. A quick assessment tells you whether you do.
When should you reach out ?
If any of these happened in the last 72 hours, talk to a expert right away.
- A condom broke or slipped
- Sexual contact without a condom
- Contact with a partner whose HIV status you don't know
- A needle-stick or sharp injury, including at work
- Contact with someone else's blood or body fluids
- Anything else you're unsure or worried about
Not every exposure needs PEP. A doctor will look at what happened and tell you honestly whether you need it.
What is PEP ?
PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. It's emergency prevention for someone who may have been exposed to HIV recently. It has to be started within 72 hours of the exposure, and it works best the earlier it begins. A doctor decides whether you need it, based on an assessment of your current situation.
- P
- Post
- E
- Exposure
- P
- Prophylaxis
What PEP is not ?
PEP is not a cure, and it is not a vaccine. It is not meant for regular or repeated use. If you're likely to be exposed again, your doctor may suggest PrEP instead. It only works against HIV, and it works when the full course is completed as your doctor advises.
PEP or PrEP ?
They sound alike and they're often confused. Here's the difference.
| PEP After exposure | PrEP Before exposure | |
|---|---|---|
| When | After a possible exposure, within 72 hours | Before any exposure, as ongoing prevention |
| Who | Anyone with a recent one-off exposure | People with ongoing possible exposure |
| How long | One Time, Advised as per Doctor | Ongoing, with reviews every few months |
| How urgent | Time-critical, start ASAP | Planned, at your pace |
PrEP
Before exposure- When
- Before any exposure, as ongoing prevention
- Who
- People with ongoing possible exposure
- How long
- Ongoing, with reviews every few months
- How urgent
- Planned, at your pace
Possible exposure in the last 72 hours? Speak to our counselor immediately
Who are we ?
TAAL+ started as a community health centre in Pune for people living with HIV. Our name is our promise, and it's the reason people keep coming back to us.
We're a real clinic in Pune, not just a website. Our team of experienced HIV doctors and counselors works alongside our own on-site lab, and we've spent 20+ years supporting people through every stage of HIV care.
What TAAL stands for
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Treatment
Care from doctors who work on HIV every day.
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Adherence
Staying with you through the full course and follow-ups, not just the first call.
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Advocacy
Pushing for stigma-free care, in the clinic and outside it.
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Literacy
Plain answers, so you understand every decision you make.
Why people choose TAAL+
When time matters, you need people who know exactly what to do. We're a clinic that is working in HIV care for 20+ years, and that experience shapes every consultation.
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We respond when it matters
A counselor replies to you and connects you to a doctor at the earliest possible.
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We know HIV care from the inside
Our doctors and counselors have spent years in HIV care. You're talking to people who handle situations like yours every week.
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Testing without running around
Our own lab in Pune means baseline tests happen quickly, or we can partner with a lab at your location.
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We handhold you
Check-ins through the course, follow-up testing afterwards, and a counselor to message if anything comes up.
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No judgment, ever
Our team has heard it all. We only ask what your care needs.
Worried about privacy ?
The things people worry about most, answered plainly.
- Worried someone will find out?
- Bills and receipts don't mention HIV or PEP. Messages come from a general clinic number, and you choose how we contact you.
- Who sees my records?
- Only your doctor and care team. Nothing goes to employers, family, partners, or anyone else without your consent.
- Will anyone judge me?
- No. Whatever happened, our team has seen it before. We only ask what your care needs.
Read our privacy policy to see how your information is stored and used.
Common questions
How soon do I need to start PEP?
Within 72 hours of the possible exposure, and the sooner the better. Don't wait for symptoms or a test result. Reach out as soon as you can.
It's been more than 72 hours. Can you still help?
Yes, please still contact us. PEP is generally not started after 72 hours, but a doctor will guide you on testing and your next steps.
Do I definitely need PEP?
Not always. A doctor looks at what happened and advises honestly. Some exposures don't need PEP at all.
How long does PEP last?
The course runs for 28 days. It's important to complete it exactly as your doctor advises.
What tests will I need?
A baseline HIV test before starting, and follow-up tests afterwards at times your doctor sets.
Are there side effects?
Some people have side effects. Your doctor will explain what to watch for and how to manage them, and your counselor is a message away during the course.
Can I reach you at night or on a weekend?
Yes. We're available 24/7 on WhatsApp and phone, because exposures don't happen on a schedule.
What if this happened without my consent?
You can reach us, and we'll treat it with complete sensitivity. We'll also help you find further support if you want it.
Is this confidential?
Yes. Your consultation and records are handled only by your care team. See our privacy policy for details.
What does it cost?
Consultation fees are shared before you book. Your doctor explains any further costs during the consultation, before you commit.
I've needed PEP more than once. What should I do?
Talk to your doctor about PrEP. It's ongoing prevention for people who may be exposed again, so you don't have to rely on emergency care.
Don't wait. Talk to a doctor now.
The earlier PEP starts, the better. Message us now and a TAAL+ counselor will connect you to a doctor, day or night.