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 Yaya, there is no problem when taking it for 30 days.
PEP is usually recommended as a 28 day course. The additional 2 doses can be used to restart PEP again if you need. Theses 2 doses can help increase how much time you have to access a full course of PEP within the time needed to start.
I am on pep, it is taken for 28 days, what is the problem if I take it for 30 days?
Hi Tshepo, PEP is a course of treatment for 28 days. You do not need to be taking it longer than this. There is no increased benefit by taking PEP for 6 months.
You can switch to PrEP after you have completed your 28 day course of PEP.
More information about PEP can be found here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
Hie , I’m on day 26 of Pep ,and my doctor prescribed me for 6 months .so my question is ,is there any need to continue taking PEP for since 6 months or can I change to Prep?
Hi Talfet, for more information about PEP please see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
Hey there any pep failure
Hi Uche, was this high risk? Do you know the viral load of your partner and/or did you use a condom?
The treatment you have been given can provide some protection but it is not a full prescription of PEP.
PrEP alone can be suitable as PEP as it contains 2 drugs though adding a third drug (usually dolutegravir) is recommended. LA75 is often only lamviduine and by itself is not enough to be used as PEP.
It would be suitable co continue with PrEP for the 28 days after exposure if you are unable to find a third drug to add.
You can then test 6 weeks after the last dose of PrEP/PEP using a 4th generation antigen/antibody test.
Please see here for more information about PEP: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
I sleep with a lady who is hiv positive unknowingly but before than I take 1 prep then when I got the information that she is positive I continue talking the prep after 3 days of sex for another 8-9 days letter then when I contact a doctor he gets be me antiretroviral LA75 drug say I should take it for 30 days which am through with, but my fear is I don’t know if I still have free or not because I never go to lab
Hi Godwin, as you have been taking PEP there is nothing you need to do.
The course of PEP you have been taking will work like PrEP. This means you are protected from further exposures for the duration of the course of PEP.
You can finish this course of PEP when originally planned in 8 days. You do not need to extend it.
For more information about PEP please see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
I got an exposure on my 20th day of pep medication….so what will i do?