Sexual health · London · Same-day
Private HIV PEP clinic - London.
Same-day post-exposure prophylaxis (PEPSE) for possible HIV exposure. A 28-day antiretroviral course that must start inside the 72-hour window. Discreet, BASHH-guided, and well tolerated on modern regimens.
Urgent - the clock started at exposure
PEP works best when started within a few hours of exposure and must start within 72 hours. Book same-day or go to A&E if outside clinic hours.
Why patients choose us
- 01
Same-day access, within the 72-hour window
A named London sexual-health service that will start PEPSE the same day you enquire, not next week. The clock started at exposure.
- 02
Modern, well-tolerated regimens
Truvada with dolutegravir or raltegravir for 28 days. The old side-effect stories no longer apply to the current standard of care.
- 03
Discreet, no GP notification without consent
A sealed record kept inside the sexual-health service. Your GP is only informed if you ask for it.
Indicative pricing
What private HIV PEP costs in London.
All-inclusive packages across our London panel. NHS PEPSE at 56 Dean Street and A&E is free at point of use and remains a fully valid alternative.
In short
Same-day private PEP in London, all-inclusive: £450–£950, first dose in clinic.
| Service | Indicative range | Typical duration | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triage call and risk assessment | Free | 10–15 min | Same hour |
| Same-day PEPSE consultation | £150–£350 | 30–45 min | Same day |
| Baseline STI and blood screen | £150–£300 | 15 min | 48–72 hours |
| 28-day PEP medication (Truvada + integrase inhibitor) | £250–£450 | N/A | Same day |
| All-inclusive PEP package (consult + bloods + drugs) | £450–£950 | 45–60 min | Same day |
| Follow-up review and repeat testing | £250–£450 | 20–30 min | Per visit |
Prices vary by clinic and by whether an out-of-hours consultation is needed. We confirm a firm all-inclusive figure over the phone before you travel.
What PEP is
A 28-day course of HIV medication, started after possible exposure.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a short course of the same antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV. Taken for 28 days, it substantially reduces the chance of HIV taking hold after a possible exposure. PEPSE is the term used when the exposure was sexual.
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Prevents HIV taking hold
The 28-day course stops the virus establishing infection in the days after exposure. It is prevention, not treatment.
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PEPSE = PEP after sex
The most common indication in the UK. Same medication, same 72-hour window, prescribed by BASHH-guided sexual-health clinicians.
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Modern regimens are gentle
Truvada with dolutegravir or raltegravir is well tolerated. The heavier side-effect stories of older regimens no longer apply.
The journey
From triage call to 10-week HIV re-test - what happens, in order.
A same-day route from first phone call to first dose, followed by four planned touchpoints across the next 10 weeks.
Phase 1 · Before your appointment
Concierge, same-hour
Phase 2 · On the day
First dose in clinic
Phase 3 · After
Reviews and 10-week test
- 01
Before
Call us the same day of exposure
Any exposure inside the 72-hour window is urgent. If it is out-of-hours, go straight to A&E or a same-day sexual-health walk-in and phone us afterwards.
- 02
Before
A short risk assessment
A 10-minute triage: type of exposure, partner status, time elapsed. We confirm whether PEPSE is indicated by BASHH criteria before you travel.
- 03
On the day
Same-day appointment and baseline bloods
A private sexual-health clinician sees you the same day. Baseline HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, U&E and ALT.
- 04
On the day
First dose in clinic
You take the first dose of Truvada with dolutegravir or raltegravir before you leave. The full 28-day pack is dispensed on the day.
- 05
After
Side-effect check at 48 hours
A short phone or video review to make sure you are tolerating the medication. Nausea, headache or loose stools usually settle within a few days.
- 06
After
Adherence review at 2 weeks
Missed doses reduce protection. A mid-course check keeps you on track and manages any side effects that have appeared.
- 07
After
HIV re-test at 10 weeks
4th-generation HIV test 6 weeks after the last PEP dose (10 weeks from exposure). Syphilis and hepatitis C at 12 weeks. PrEP transition if risk is ongoing.
Same-day to first dose. Course length: 28 days. Final HIV re-test: 10 weeks from exposure.
When to consider PEP
The exposures where PEP is offered - and where it is not.
BASHH guidance shapes which exposures cross the threshold for a 28-day course. If you are unsure, call - a 10-minute triage will settle it.
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Condomless sex with known HIV-positive partner not on treatment
The clearest indication for PEPSE. A partner with a detectable viral load, or whose status on antiretrovirals is unclear.
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Condomless sex with a partner of unknown status, high-risk group
Receptive anal sex or shared needle exposure in a high-prevalence setting. PEPSE is offered per BASHH guidance.
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Condom failure with a high-risk partner
Split or slipped condom during sex with a partner whose HIV status is positive or unknown but high-risk.
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Sexual assault
PEPSE is routinely offered after sexual assault. SARC referral for forensic care runs in parallel with the medication.
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Occupational needlestick injury
Healthcare workers or first responders exposed to blood from a known or high-risk source. Employer occupational-health pathway takes priority when available.
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Shared injecting drug equipment
Sharing a needle or syringe with a known HIV-positive person or in a high-prevalence setting.
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Human bite with broken skin and blood exchange
A rare indication. PEPSE considered where saliva-blood mixing occurred with a known high-risk source.
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Not indicated: partner on stable treatment, undetectable
Undetectable equals untransmittable (U=U). PEPSE is not indicated after sex with a partner reliably suppressed on antiretrovirals.
The 72-hour window
Sooner is better - much better.
Under 24 hours from exposure: ideal. Effectiveness is highest. Aim to be seen the same working day.
24 to 48 hours: still strongly recommended. Effectiveness declines but remains meaningful.
48 to 72 hours: the last window. Offered where risk is clear - do not delay the first dose.
Over 72 hours: virtually no benefit. We move to baseline HIV testing at 2, 4 and 12 weeks and discuss PrEP if risk is ongoing.
Regimens
Modern PEP is a well-tolerated 28-day course.
The current standard combines Truvada with an integrase inhibitor - dolutegravir once daily, or raltegravir twice daily. The days of heavy side effects belong to older regimens.
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Truvada plus dolutegravir (preferred)
Tenofovir disoproxil with emtricitabine (Truvada), plus dolutegravir once daily. The BASHH-preferred 2026 regimen. Very well tolerated, minimal drug interactions.
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Truvada plus raltegravir
An alternative integrase inhibitor twice daily. Chosen where dolutegravir is contraindicated, or in pregnancy planning where evidence is discussed with a specialist.
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Descovy plus dolutegravir
Tenofovir alafenamide with emtricitabine, used where renal function or bone density is a concern. Not first line but a good alternative.
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28-day course, once or twice daily
A full 28 days is the minimum evidence-based course. Stopping early reduces protection sharply. We dispense the whole pack on day one.
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Baseline HIV must be negative
A 4th-generation HIV antigen-antibody test is done before the first dose. Starting PEP in undiagnosed HIV can cause resistance to future treatment.
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PrEP transition after PEP
If risk is ongoing, we switch directly from PEP to daily or event-based PrEP at the end of the 28 days, without a gap in protection.
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When PEP is not enough
For repeated high-risk exposures, PrEP is more effective and safer than repeat PEP courses. We discuss the switch openly.
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Emergency contraception and hepatitis B
Emergency contraception and hepatitis B vaccination or booster are considered alongside PEPSE in the same appointment where relevant.
Baseline testing and where to go
Baseline bloods on the day, and same-day access across London.
A negative 4th-generation HIV test is required before the first dose. The full baseline screen runs in parallel so nothing is missed.
Baseline day-one screen
Everything checked at the first appointment.
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HIV 4th-generation antigen-antibody test (must be negative before first dose)
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Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody status (vaccine or booster if needed)
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Hepatitis C antibody
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Syphilis serology
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Chlamydia and gonorrhoea nucleic acid testing (site-appropriate)
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U&E and creatinine (renal function baseline for tenofovir)
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ALT (liver function baseline)
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Pregnancy test and emergency contraception discussion where relevant
Where to go in London
Same-day and out-of-hours options.
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56 Dean Street (Chelsea and Westminster NHS)
The UK flagship NHS sexual-health service. Same-day PEPSE, free at point of use. Long-established walk-in and rapid pathways.
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HCA London Bridge Same-Day Sexual Health
Private same-day PEPSE, all-inclusive package including baseline bloods and 28-day dispensing.
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Balance Sexual Health, Central London
Private same-day PEPSE, discreet Harley Street location, weekend cover.
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Freedomhealth, Central London
Same-day private PEPSE with rapid HIV testing on site.
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Nearest A&E - out of hours
If you are outside clinic hours and inside the 72-hour window, go straight to A&E. PEP is stocked at all major London emergency departments.
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HIV i-Base helpline
Independent, expert phone signposting to same-day PEPSE across the UK.
Safety and confidentiality
What to expect on treatment - honestly.
Modern PEP is safe and well tolerated. Adherence is the biggest lever on effectiveness, and the day-one tests keep the whole picture in view.
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Start within 72 hours - sooner is better
Every hour matters. Ideal start is inside 24 hours. Effectiveness declines rapidly after 48 hours and there is virtually no benefit beyond 72 hours from exposure.
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Common early side effects settle quickly
Mild nausea, headache, tiredness or loose stools in the first few days affect around 1 in 5 people on modern regimens. They usually settle within a week.
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Renal and liver monitoring
Tenofovir can rarely affect kidney function. Baseline U&E and ALT are checked, and repeated at 4 weeks. Descovy is used if kidneys are a concern.
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Drug interactions to declare
Dolutegravir interacts with some antacids, iron and calcium supplements, and certain epilepsy or TB drugs. Bring a list of everything you take.
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Adherence is the biggest lever
Missing doses reduces effectiveness. If you vomit within an hour of a dose, take a replacement. If you miss a dose by more than 12 hours, take it as soon as you remember.
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Baseline HIV test must be negative first
PEP is not treatment for established HIV. Starting PEP without confirming a negative baseline can select for drug-resistant virus and complicate future treatment.
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Safer sex during the 28 days
PEP protects you from the exposure that has already happened. Condoms are still needed during the course, and repeat unprotected exposure needs a new assessment.
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Hepatitis B, syphilis and STI co-testing
A negative baseline STI screen at day one, and a repeat screen at 6 weeks and syphilis and HCV at 12 weeks. Any positives are treated in parallel.
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When to switch to PrEP
If exposures are recurring, PrEP is more effective, cheaper long-term and better tolerated than repeat PEP. We transition you directly at the end of the 28 days.
Confidentiality
A discreet, sealed record. Your GP is not informed without your permission.
Private sexual-health records are held separately from your GP notes and are not shared with employers, insurers or family. You choose whether to inform your GP, and we support you in doing so if you wish. Legal disclosure duties only apply in the rare situations set out by GMC and GDPR guidance, and are always discussed with you first.
Reading your PEP record
Your PEP notes in four parts. Read the last one first.
Every private PEPSE record follows the same shape - it makes the follow-up much simpler to plan.
A quiet reminder
The clock starts at exposure - and finishes at your 10-week test.
We hold your dates so you do not have to. If you would like us to talk you through the record before your first follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Time from exposure and indication
The clock time of your exposure, the time you started the first dose, and the BASHH indication (condomless sex, needlestick, assault, drug injecting).
- 02 Regimen
Drugs, dose and course length
The specific regimen (Truvada plus dolutegravir or raltegravir), dose, start date and the planned end date 28 days later.
- 03 Baseline
HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, STIs, U&E, ALT
A negative baseline HIV before starting, plus the full STI and blood screen results. Anything positive at baseline is treated in parallel.
- 04 Plan
Follow-up dates and PrEP decision
Read this first: your 48-hour tolerance check, 2-week adherence review, HIV re-test at 10 weeks, and whether you transition to PrEP at day 28.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover for PEPSE varies by insurer and by indication. NHS PEPSE at 56 Dean Street and A&E is free at point of use.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about PEP.
Quick answers on late starts, side effects, insurance cover, partner testing, repeat courses and the PrEP transition.
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I think I am past 72 hours, is it too late for PEP?
PEP is licensed and evidence-based only within 72 hours of exposure, and works best inside the first 24 hours. Beyond 72 hours the pharmacokinetic window is closed and PEP is not recommended. Call us anyway - we will arrange rapid baseline HIV testing at 2, 4 and 12 weeks, discuss PrEP if risk is ongoing, and support you through the testing window.
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What side effects should I expect on modern PEP?
The current standard regimen of Truvada with dolutegravir or raltegravir is very well tolerated. Around 1 in 5 people experience mild nausea, headache, tiredness or loose stools in the first week, which usually settle. Serious side effects are rare. If anything is intolerable we can switch you to an alternative rather than stop PEP altogether.
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Will my insurance cover private PEP?
PEP is often covered by comprehensive private policies when medically indicated after a defined exposure, but sexual-health cover is variable. Bupa, AXA, Vitality and Cigna will usually authorise it if a clinician confirms the indication. NHS PEPSE at 56 Dean Street or A&E is free at point of use and is a fully valid alternative if cover is unclear.
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Does my partner need to be tested too?
Yes. Testing the source partner is the single most useful thing that can be done. A confirmed HIV-negative result on a modern 4th-generation test in a partner who is not in a window period lets us stop PEP early. If your partner is HIV-positive on stable treatment with an undetectable viral load, PEP is not indicated at all (U=U).
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Can I take PEP more than once?
Yes, and there is no lifetime limit. Repeated courses of PEP are not harmful, but they suggest ongoing exposure risk. If you have needed PEP more than once in a year, or if your circumstances mean exposure is likely again, PrEP (daily or event-based) is more effective, cheaper long-term and better tolerated than repeat PEP.
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How does the transition to PrEP work at the end of PEP?
At the day-28 review we discuss ongoing risk. If PrEP is right for you, you continue Truvada (or switch to Descovy) without a break, drop the integrase inhibitor, and follow the PrEP monitoring schedule instead. Your HIV re-test at 10 weeks still applies to confirm the exposure that prompted PEP did not seroconvert.
Same-day PEPSE
Inside the 72-hour window? Call us now.
A same-day appointment, first dose in clinic, 28 days dispensed on the day. Discreet, BASHH-guided, no GP notification without your permission. Out-of-hours, go straight to A&E - do not wait.
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Same-day triage inside the 72-hour PEP window.
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