Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV Prevention in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is an emergency HIV prevention treatment available in Grand Rapids, MI. It involves taking antiretroviral medications after a possible exposure to HIV to reduce the chance of infection.

PEP is most effective when started as soon as possible and must be started within 72 hours (3 days) of a potential exposure.

What Is PEP?

PEP is a 28-day course of HIV medications. The usual dosage is:

  • 1 tablet taken once daily
  • In some situations, a combination of 2–3 tablets once daily may be prescribed

Your healthcare provider in Grand Rapids will choose the exact regimen based on current HIV treatment guidelines, your medical history, and any other medications you take.

PEP is for emergency situations only. It is not meant to replace ongoing prevention methods like condoms or PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).

When Should You Consider PEP?

You may need PEP if you have had a known or suspected exposure to HIV, such as:

Sexual Exposure

  • Condomless vaginal or anal sex with a person:
    • Who is known to be living with HIV and not on treatment or not virally suppressed, or
    • Whose HIV status you do not know
  • A condom that broke, slipped off, or failed during vaginal or anal sex
  • Sexual assault (PEP is often recommended after sexual assault; emergency departments in Grand Rapids can help with both medical care and support services)
  • Sharing needles, syringes, or other injecting equipment with someone who:
    • Has HIV and is not virally suppressed, or
    • Has an unknown HIV status

Occupational Exposure

  • Healthcare workers or first responders in Grand Rapids who experience:
    • A needlestick injury
    • Contact of blood or certain body fluids with broken skin or mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, inside of nose)

If the person with HIV you were exposed to has a confirmed undetectable viral load (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable) and is taking HIV treatment as prescribed, there is no risk of sexual transmission, and PEP is usually not recommended.

A Grand Rapids HIV specialist or emergency department clinician will assess:

  • The type of exposure
  • The HIV status and viral load (if known) of the other person
  • The time since exposure

…and then decide whether PEP is appropriate.

How Soon Do You Need to Start PEP?

Timing is critical. For people in Grand Rapids and across Michigan:

  • Start PEP as soon as possible after exposure
  • Must be started within 72 hours (3 days)
  • The earlier you start (ideally within a few hours), the better it works

Do not wait to “see how you feel.” HIV often has no immediate symptoms after exposure.

Where to Get PEP in Grand Rapids, MI

If you think you have been exposed to HIV, do not wait for a routine appointment. Seek help immediately.

1. Hospital Emergency Departments (Best for After-Hours or Urgent Situations)

PEP is often started in emergency departments, especially after hours, weekends, or holidays:

  • Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital – Emergency Department
    Downtown Grand Rapids – 24/7 emergency care

  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids – Emergency Department
    West side of Grand Rapids – 24/7 emergency care

  • University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health) – Emergency Department
    Wyoming, MI – serves the Grand Rapids metro area

If your exposure occurs at night, on a weekend, or if you cannot get in quickly to a clinic, go to the nearest emergency department and tell them you may need PEP for HIV.

2. Sexual Health & HIV Clinics

During business hours, you may be able to start PEP at:

  • Kent County Health Department – Personal Health Services
    Offers HIV testing, STI testing, and referrals for PEP and PrEP in Grand Rapids.

  • Grand Rapids Public Health / Community Health Clinics
    May provide HIV/STI services or refer to local PEP providers.

  • Infectious Disease or HIV Clinics at:

    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health)

Call ahead and say:

“I’ve had a possible HIV exposure and I need to be seen urgently for PEP.”

What to Expect at a PEP Visit

Your PEP provider will ask questions to decide if PEP is right for you, such as:

  • When the exposure happened (date and time)
  • What type of exposure occurred (e.g., condomless sex, needle sharing, needlestick)
  • What you know about the other person’s HIV status and treatment
  • Your medical history, current medications, and allergies
  • Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding (if applicable)

They will usually:

  • Perform an HIV test (to confirm you are HIV-negative before starting PEP)
  • Screen for other STIs (such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis)
  • Possibly test for hepatitis B and C
  • Check basic bloodwork (kidney and liver function)
  • Prescribe a 28-day supply (or part of it with follow-up)

How to Take PEP

For PEP to work effectively, you must:

  • Start within 72 hours of exposure
  • Take the medication every day for 28 days
  • Follow your provider’s instructions exactly

Missing doses or stopping early can make PEP less effective.

Possible Side Effects of PEP

Most people in Grand Rapids who take PEP tolerate it well, but some may experience side effects, including:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Upset stomach or abdominal discomfort
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue or tiredness

These side effects are usually temporary and manageable. Do not stop taking PEP without talking to your provider. They may:

  • Adjust the time of day you take the medicine
  • Recommend taking it with food
  • Offer medication to relieve nausea or other symptoms

If you experience severe side effects, contact your prescribing clinic or return to the emergency department.

Important Things to Know About PEP

  • PEP is an emergency HIV prevention tool, not a regular prevention method
  • It must be started within 72 hours of exposure
  • It must be taken every day for 28 days
  • It does not protect against other STIs (such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia)
  • It does not prevent pregnancy (it is not emergency contraception)
  • It is not 100% effective, but when taken correctly and started on time, it significantly lowers the risk of HIV infection

You will need a follow-up HIV test after completing PEP (usually at 4–6 weeks, and sometimes again at 3 months) to confirm you remain HIV-negative.

Other Ways to Prevent HIV in Grand Rapids

There are many safe and effective ways to prevent HIV beyond PEP. Depending on your lifestyle and risk factors in Grand Rapids, another method (or combination of methods) may work better for you long-term.

1. Condoms

  • Use external (male) or internal (female) condoms during vaginal or anal sex
  • Use water-based or silicone-based lubricants to reduce condom breakage
  • Condoms help prevent HIV and most other STIs, and reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy

2. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

  • PrEP is a daily pill taken before exposure to HIV
  • When taken consistently as prescribed, PrEP is about 99% effective at preventing sexual transmission of HIV
  • PrEP is a good option if:
    • You have had to use PEP more than once
    • You have ongoing condomless sex with partners of unknown HIV status or partners living with HIV
    • You inject drugs and share equipment

Ask your Grand Rapids provider, Kent County Health Department, or local infectious disease clinic about PrEP services in West Michigan.

3. Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)

If you are living with HIV in Grand Rapids and take HIV antiretroviral treatment (ART) as prescribed:

  • You can achieve an undetectable viral load
  • People with an undetectable viral load do not sexually transmit HIV to their partners

4. Safer Injection Practices

  • Use clean, sterile needles and syringes every time
  • Do not share needles, cookers, cottons, or other injecting equipment
  • Ask local harm reduction or syringe service programs in Kent County for sterile supplies and safe disposal

Local Considerations in Grand Rapids and Michigan

Living in Grand Rapids and West Michigan comes with some specific health factors:

  • Cold winters and indoor gatherings can increase the risk of respiratory infections; HIV testing and prevention services remain important year-round
  • The Grand Rapids metro area has a diverse and growing population, including young adults and college students, who may benefit from accessible sexual health education and services
  • Michigan’s Great Lakes region attracts seasonal workers and visitors, which can lead to changing sexual networks and the need for consistent HIV and STI prevention resources

If you are sexually active, especially with new or multiple partners, consider regular HIV and STI testing as part of your routine healthcare.

If You’ve Used PEP More Than Once

If you have needed PEP more than once, it may be a sign that you could benefit from PrEP or other ongoing prevention strategies.

Talk to:

  • Your primary care provider in Grand Rapids
  • Kent County Health Department
  • An infectious disease or HIV clinic at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or Metro Health

Ask specifically about:

“Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention.”

Youth-Friendly and Inclusive Services

Many clinics in Grand Rapids and Kent County aim to be:

  • Youth-friendly
  • LGBTQ+ affirming
  • Respectful of all genders, sexual orientations, and cultural backgrounds

If you are a teen or young adult and worried about confidentiality, ask the clinic staff about privacy, consent, and billing before your visit.

Key Points About PEP in Grand Rapids, Michigan

  • PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is taken after a known or suspected exposure to HIV to prevent infection.
  • You must start PEP within 72 hours of potential exposure—the sooner, the better.
  • PEP is typically 1–3 tablets taken once daily for 28 days.
  • PEP can cause side effects (such as nausea, headache, or fatigue), but these are often manageable.
  • Your PEP provider will ask detailed questions to assess your risk and decide if PEP is appropriate.
  • PEP does not protect against other STIs or pregnancy.
  • There are many other effective HIV prevention methods, including condoms, PrEP, safer injection practices, and maintaining an undetectable viral load (U=U).

If you think you have been exposed to HIV in Grand Rapids, go to an emergency department or contact a local sexual health or HIV clinic immediately and ask about PEP for HIV prevention.