European guidelines

In 2001, the European Commission funded projects to develop guidelines for the standardised management of occupational and non-occupational exposures to HIV/bloodborne infections and evaluation of PEP in Europe. Two sets of guidelines were published in June 2004.1,2

The non-occupational guidelines recommend PEP following unprotected receptive anal sex or shared use of a needle or syringe when the source person is known to be HIV-positive or from a group with high HIV prevalence. When the source person is known to be HIV-positive, the guidelines say that PEP should be considered following vaginal sex, insertive anal sex, receptive oral sex with ejaculation or a splash of semen into the eye. However, following rape or if there are high-risk factors such as bleeding, ulcers around the genitals or in the mouth, or STIs, PEP should be used more readily.

The guidelines, in line with UK guidelines, recommend three-drug combination therapy for PEP.

References

  1. Puro V et al. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis of HIV Infection in Healthcare Workers: Recommendations for the European Setting. European Journal of Epidemiology 19(6):577-584, 2004
  2. Almeda J et al. Proposed recommendations for the management of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis after sexual, injecting drug or other exposures in Europe. Euro Surveill 9: 35-40, 2004
This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.
Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
close

This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.