Question
Is there a benefit to taking PEP for more than 28 days?
15 November 2021. Related: All topics.
Can I take PEP for more than 28 days to get the best results?
Answer
Hi Kennedy, how are you?
Thanks for the question. There is no data to support that taking PEP for any longer than 28 days is beneficial. In exceptional circumstances the course may be extended, but does require very specific criteria to be met and consultation with an HIV specialist.
Taking PEP every day for the 28 day course is what minimizes your risk most. This page will explain how best to use PEP for the best results.
If you have any more questions feel free to ask.
Josh
Hi Yamikani, no you do not need to extend your course of PEP. Finishing on the original day is safe. Being on PEP acts like PrEP while you are on it and prevents risk from further exposures.
I had a reexposure on day 28 of taking pep. Do I need to extend the treatment beyond the 30days
Hi Gerry, no you do not. This is because PEP will act like PrEP and prevent risk of further exposure.
You can finish PEP when you were initially expecting to.
I had another exposer on my 26th day of PEP dose, do I extend PEP medication after 30 days?
Hi Lily, you would not need to extend the course of PEP. A regular course of PEP is 28 days. Taking PEP for 30 will cover the length of both exposures.
There is no requirement to extend this course of PEP.
Hello what if I was prescribed pep for 30 days and had a potential reexposure on the second day? Basically 30 days of PEP for first exposure and then 28 days of PEP for the second exposure?
Hi Elemchi, how long have you been on this course of PEP and what PEP are you taking?
If you had an exposure mid-way through your course, the PEP will be at a suitable level in your body to prevent further risk of transmission – effectively working as PrEP at this point. You would not need to extend your course of PEP from this point. You can finish PEP when initially expected.
If you were on pep, and meet with a HIV partner, will you start it all over again? Or once the ones you’re taking finishes, you stop ?
Hi Uche, after 28 days there is no further benefit to taking PEP for any longer. There is no harm in taking PEP for the 30 days however there will be no additional benefit. At this point PEP will have worked or it will not have.
Is it okay to take pep for 30 days or should I stop at day 28?