What exactly is PEP?

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a drug that is given after you suspect you have been exposed to HIV. It can help in an emergency, but you must take it within 72 hours of the probable exposure for it to be helpful. After then, you must take PEP every day for 28 days.

PEP should not be used as a stand-in for HIV prevention medications such as PrEP, or as a fallback if you don't use a condom or practise safe sex.

The term PEP refers to post-exposure prophylaxis. PEP is a set of medicines that you can start taking as soon as you've been exposed to HIV to reduce your chances of contracting the disease. However, you must begin PEP within 72 hours, or three days, of being exposed to HIV, or it will not function. The sooner you get started, the better; every hour counts.

For at least 28 days, you take PEP 1-2 times per day. Antiretroviral drugs are the medications used in PEP (ART). These drugs prevent HIV from spreading throughout your body.

Is it safe to use PEP?

Tenofovir (TDF) in combination with Lamivudine (3TC) or Emtricitabine is the most used PEP treatment (FTC). These medications are also used as the first-line treatment for HIV. The protease inhibitors Lopinavir (LPV) or Atazanavir (ATV) can be added to three-drug regimens. Due to concerns about resistance if a third drug was added, a two-drug regimen was previously prescribed. A three-drug regimen, on the other hand, is less toxic and better tolerated. Unfortunately, the three-drug regimen is not available everywhere, and some countries prefer the two-drug regimen due to its cheaper cost.

PEP has potential side effects in addition to drug resistance that should not be neglected. It is also crucial to refrain from using PEP on a frequent basis. PrEP should be considered instead of PEP if this is the case for the individual. PEP has the same side effects as ART, which were discussed in a recent blog. Gastrointestinal issues and skin rashes are the most common. Lactic acidosis, renal issues, hepatitis, and liver failure are the most common. The liver and kidney function should be checked before starting medication.

After I take PEP, what happens?

Following PEP, you must see your nurse or doctor for follow-up tests. You'll have another HIV test 4-6 weeks following your first HIV exposure, and then another three months afterwards. Your doctor may recommend another HIV test 6 months later, depending on your situation.

It's critical to get these follow-up testing to ensure that PEP was effective. Meanwhile, continue to protect yourself and others from HIV by wearing condoms during sex and avoiding sharing needles or work.



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