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 Roberto, you do not need to extend the course of PEP. Moving your medication from 5:30 to 8am is not going to impact the effectiveness of PEP. You can complete your course in 27 days when you expected.
in first day i have took pep at 5.30 around with empty stomach and from second day i have started my pep medication at 8 am until 27 days. is it make any problem. or i have to took pep for 29 days. i am waiting for your reply.
Hi Arlington, you do not need to do anything. As you are already taking PEP, the medication will prevent risk from any further exposure. You can take this course of PEP as normal and you do not need to extend it. You can finish the course when originally intended.
What if I have another exposure while I am taking PEP what do I do?
Hi Larry, no you do not need to extend the course of PEP. When you are taking PEP it will protect you from any further exposure while you are on the course. PEP will act as PrEP. This is because there is a high enough concentration of PEP in your drug to stop HIV transmission. You can finish when you initially planned.
Kissing is not how HIV is transmitted. There would be no risk from kissing someone with HIV. Please follow this link for more information: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
Hi, please I was on pep for 28days, Had the 25th day I kisses a girl I don’t trust please do I need to extend the pep. And my girl friend that’s negative do I have to give her pep as well because we had sex…
Waiting for reply thanks
Hi Lucy, PrEP does not affect the lungs. This is regardless for how long you take it. Have you been experiencing any problems with your lungs?
Hi,
If you take prep for a long time, does it affect lungs.
Hi Solomon, yes it is okay that you missed your normal time by 2 hours. HIV medication has a half life longer than 24 hours. This means there is some leeway in being late/early with medication. While it is still best to take it at the same time each day, being occasionally late with your medication is not going to risk how effective it is.
Hello Dr. What if I go beyond by two hours of my official hours of taking the treatment