PEP on Koh Samui: emergency HIV prevention, day or night
If a condom split, you had sex without one or you were exposed to blood, PEP can stop HIV from taking hold. It must start within 72 hours and works best in the first 24. A doctor in Chaweng can start it today.
- Doctor on site around the clock
- No appointment
- First name only
Find yourself on the clock.
- 0 to 24 hThe ideal timeMessage us and come straight in.
- 24 to 48 hPlenty of time, so act todayAn earlier start gives better protection.
- 48 to 72 hClosing soonSend the exact time so we can see you first.
- Over 72 hPEP is not usually startedWe will still plan tests and next steps with you.
Four weeks of tablets that give HIV no place to settle
PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. It is a combination of HIV medicines taken for 28 days after a possible exposure. When HIV enters the body it takes a short time to establish itself, and PEP works by blocking it during that window.
That is why timing matters so much. Started within hours, it has the best chance of working. Started on day three, it can still help, but every hour before that counts.
PEP is for emergencies, not for regular protection. If you expect more exposures while you are on the island or at home, PrEP is the better long-term option, and you can usually move from one to the other without a gap.
When the doctor considers PEP, and when it is usually unnecessary
PEP is usually considered after
- Vaginal or anal sex without a condom where your partner’s HIV status is unknown, or they are not on effective treatment
- A condom that split or came off
- Sharing injecting equipment, or a needle injury
- Sexual assault
PEP is usually not needed after
- Kissing, massage, touching or sharing a glass
- Sex with a condom that stayed on and intact
- Sex with a partner who has an undetectable viral load on treatment
- An exposure more than 72 hours ago, though testing advice still helps
Still unsure where you fit? That is exactly what the doctor is for. Ask on WhatsApp
Ferry from Koh Phangan or Koh Tao this morning?
Come straight from the pier. We are open whenever the boat lands, and the doctor plans your course around the rest of your trip and your flight home.
PEP questions we hear every week
What should I say in my first message?
Roughly when it happened, the type of contact, and any medicines you take regularly. You do not need to give more detail than that to get started.
Do I need to stop drinking alcohol on PEP?
Alcohol does not stop PEP working, but heavy drinking makes it easier to miss doses and can add to stomach upset. Set a daily phone alarm and keep the tablets with you.
What if I miss a dose?
Take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next one. Do not double up. If you miss more than one, message the clinic for advice.
Can I take PEP with my other medicines?
Usually yes, but some medicines and supplements interact with it, including certain antacids. Tell the doctor everything you take, including vitamins.
Is PEP the same as the morning-after pill?
No. The morning-after pill prevents pregnancy. PEP prevents HIV. If you need both, the doctor can talk you through it in the same visit.
Will anyone else know I came in?
No. A first name is enough, and your visit and results stay between you and your doctor.
General information only. HIV prevention choices depend on timing, test results, medicines and your health history. Talk to a doctor about your own situation.