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 Tshepho, for PEP to act as PrEP you would need 2 days worth of tablets following the exposure.
Having taken PEP with this one extra day is going to provide some protection, but it cannot be guaranteed that it is full protection. Do you have an idea where the other tablets might be? do you have time to get a few more tablets from clinic?
Hello, I took pep for 25 days and got exposed on day 26 and I was left with one tablet because I couldn’t see my other tablets,I took my last tablet the same night after exposure,do I still need more tablets?
Hi Issac, it is not possible to give a direct percentage of success. In most cases, when adhering to PEP properly there is no risk of HIV.
Thank you so much for the informations, it was indeed insightful and helpful….. So from what i have wrote, if i could ask, in terms of percentage, what are the chances i will not get infested after strict completion of my PEP…
Hi Issac, please see here for more information: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
I have a first sex with a lady with condom, the second one was condonless, which i ejaculated inside of her, was ontop!! she was disagonized of HIV immediately afterward, and i started PEP(dolutegravir, lamivudine, and tenofovir) exactly 28hrs post exposure(will the PEP still be effective), i started feeling burning sole of the feets which radiates to other parts of the body immedaitely(could this be sign of hiv infections or drugs reactions?), i had a second exposure by torn condom on 4 day on PEP, what effect will this be? am on the 23rd day on PEP now, and test result has shown negative all along, am very much afraid, please advice how effective the drugs/pep can be? what are the chances i will seroconvert later? considering suicide as i cant fathom getting this virus!!
Hi Sam, a second exposure while on PEP will not increase your risk of transmission. During the course of PEP the treatment will work like PrEP and prevent other exposures.
You can test from 6 weeks after your last dose of PEP using a 4th generation test. This will provide a conclusive result.
I had a second exposure to HIV while on PEP for 18 days. I finished the entire course of PEP for 30 days yesterday on the 03rd/09/2023. What’s the likelihood that I won’t seroconvert?
And number 2, how soon should I take a 4th generation test for accurate results?
Hi Wyckliffe, how long after your last dose was this exposure? If it was the day or day after of your last dose you can continue PEP for the next 2 days (ensuring you take 2 PEP for 2 days after the exposure). You will not need to restart PEP. In this case the PEP you have been taken will be able to work like PrEP.
Hi, I took pep for 28 days and immediate got exposed to HIV. Should I go for another dose or what should I do