India’s First PrEP/PEP Locator

PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis) are both antiretroviral drugs taken to prevent HIV infection. 

PEP is an emergency HIV medicine taken within 72 hours (in a combination of three or more) after a potential exposure to HIV or a situation that can be considered risky in terms of acquiring HIV (e.g., unprotected sex, needle-stick injury). 

PrEP is a two-drug regimen of antiretroviral drugs for HIV-negative individuals taken before potential high-risk sexual exposure in a planned manner to lower the risk of HIV infection, if exposed to the virus.  There are 2 methods of taking PrEP tablets – daily and event-based PrEP.

Both PrEP and PEP have similar ways of action – the drugs prevent HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, from replicating in the immune cells thus preventing the person from acquiring the infection. The drugs reach a safe concentration in the mucosa and tissue layers of the genital and anal areas, thus acting like a guard at the site of the entry of the virus itself. Hence, PrEP is known to be highly effective for preventing HIV through sexual exposure when taken as advised but is less effective for sharing needles.

For more information, please refer to our article here

Your provider will try to assess the risk of the exposure you are involved in order to help you decide on the necessity of PEP. A few considerations to assess the need of PEP when it comes to sexual exposure includes: 

1) the kind of sexual activity involved 

2) HIV status of the sexual partner(s) and whether they are on ART 

3) sexual partner(s) having higher risk of being HIV positive 

4) person’s perception of the risk.

India's NACO restricts PEP access to healthcare workers who face on-the-job exposure and sexual assault survivors. The PEP providers listed in this directory, offer support to all individuals and especially those who fall outside the two NACO categories of healthcare workers and sexual assault survivors

For more information, please refer to our article here

A few baseline tests are conducted to rule out HIV, hepatitis B, C, syphilis and to check your blood parameters to assess during your first consultation. These tests would be repeated on follow-up visits as well. Once you are prescribed PrEP, you can either get it through non-profit channels at subsidized rates for Rs. 600-800 per bottle (a month’s worth of medication) or at for-profit service providers.

If you need PEP, remember it's an emergency drug. Seek medical attention immediately to get the prescription and start treatment within 72 hours of exposure. 

The MRP for both PrEP and PEP ranges between INR 3000 to 4500 depending on the companies. These are mostly available at private centres, NGOs and online pharmacies at subsidised prices (ranging between INR 750 to 2000) with the most subsidised rates being provided by the NGOs.

1. Comprehensive Medical and sexual history taking of the person
2. STI screening / management
3. Baseline tests for determining the person’s HIV status
4. Holistic Counselling - Safe Sex Practices, Importance of medicine adherence, monitoring any side effects, and follow-ups
5. Informed consent
6. Prescription
7. Involving you in making the care plan

(Source: National Technical Guidelines for PrEP pg. 17)

For more information, please refer to our article here

Our directory of PrEP and PEP service providers were vetted through contacting community organizations and networks of PLHIV (People living with HIV) and LGBTQIA+ people across multiple states of India. We personally reached out to organizations to learn in detail about the specific services they provide, their expertise, and their commitment to inclusive, stigma-free care.

In India, access to vital HIV prevention tools like PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is often hindered by significant barriers: a lack of awareness, misinformation, geographical limitations, and prevalent discrimination and social stigma. It is especially difficult for members of LGBTQIA+ community to find reliable, stigma-free care and affirming guidance for their sexual health and wellbeing. This absence of clear, accessible information can leave people vulnerable to HIV exposure and prevent them from taking proactive steps for their well-being.

The Safe Access PrEP/PEP Locator is envisaged as a solution to these critical challenges and as your guide to PrEP and PEP in India