Question
Does PEP delay seroconversion?
24 December 2021. Related: All topics, PEP/PEPSE.
Hi, I had an exposure in early October.
I took PEP (TDF + FTC + DTG) after 5 hours of the exposure. I did not accompany the doses with meals, I took them alone with water or some drink. Can this interfere or reduce its effectiveness?
Does PEP delay seroconversion in case of failure? At 5 weeks after finishing PEP swollen lymph glands in both armpit.
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
PEP does have the potential to delay seroconversion.
As PEP works similar to medication used to manage HIV, PEP if unsuccessful can delay seroconversion.
This is why testing a minimum of 4 weeks after PEP is required. Seroconversion can occur 1-3 weeks after the course ends. Only 80% of those who do seroconvert in failed PEP will experience classical symptoms e.g., fatigue, fever, headache etc.
Five weeks after finishing PEP would be later than expected if this was really HIV. Swollen lymph nodes can arise from a number of infections, not only HIV. Is this symptom being managed by a doctor?
The combination you have taken can be consumed with or without food. This would not have impacted how well it worked as PEP.
If you have another question do ask,
Josh.
Hi,
Today it is a 4th day after PEP and I am having ringing in right ear. I don’t know is this a symptom of HIV? I had a oral sex with sex worker on 26th May and vaginal sex with condom on. I took PEP at 68th hour.
Please help me, I am nervous.
Hi Abhi, it is great that you have already tested negative. This is very suggestive that you are HIV negative. A follow-up test is required at day 42 day after the last dose of PEP. As you already have a negative test it means there is the risk of your current symptoms being caused by HIV is very very low. It is more likely that it is a cold/flu.
Hi Josh,
I had sex with the sex worker of unknown status and during the sex the condom broked but no ejaculation was involved and the women looked dry. I started PEP in 22 hours and took for 30 days. On 25th day from last dose of PEP the 4th gen combo test was negative.
I am feeling slight feverish and the temperature fluctuates till 98.8 some times. I am stressing alot which could be a reason of fever.
But is it possible that I have HIV.
Hi Samuel, as you had used a condom there is no risk of transmission. This remains true even with a cut on your penis as the condom would have protected this. Please see here for more information: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
Hi i was exposed to someone who was hiv positive and i used a condom but had a cut on my upper penis on the scrotum i started pep after 32 hours its been a month after finishing pep i have a stomach ache joint pain and neck pain and also i had a rash and dry month i wanted to know if pep failed im nervous
Hi NoH, after 4 weeks your test result is 95% accurate. This means it is very likely that you are HIV negative. To be sure you will require one further test in 2 weeks using the same type of test. This will be conclusive and confirm your result.
I tested 4 weeks after my last pep dose is this conclusive (4th gen)
Hi Fletcher, no this is not seroconversion. As you had used a condom there is no risk of transmission. Please see here for more information: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
Hi Josh
I had sex with an HIV person who was almost done with her menses. Even though I used a condom, I had little cuts on my private parts because I had shaved earlier the day before I had sex with this person. I started taking PEP at 74 hours after having sex with this person. I have irritation in my throat and also itchy nose sometimes. I developed joint pains at 14 days of taking PEP and also neck pains. I have two questions please;
Do you think PEP will work since I took at 74 hours?
Do you also think I have seroconversion. I’m really anxious
Hi Jay, no this does not suggest you have been exposed. Please see here for more information about PEP: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq