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.
hellow does uti and other std affect u=u
Hi Enhle, for information about testing and transmission please see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
For more information about PEP see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
Hi There, please help.
I was on TLD as Pep after sex with someone who’s status I do not know. During the PEP i also had sex with someone but we both tested and it was negative (about 2 weeks into the PEP). During the course of PEP I missed 1 day and there were a few days where i took it 2/3 hours later than I normally do.
My course ended 2 weeks ago and my worry is that yesterday I noticed swelling/bump at the bottom of my neck on both sides ang google says that these are swollen lymph nodes which are linked to HIV. Could the PEP have failed??
Hi Issac, at 26 days post PEP your test will be around 95% accurate. A following test in 2 weeks will confirm your result.
PEP does not prevent other STI’s. Please attend your health clinic to have a sexual health screening.
The symptoms you are have experienced are not signs of seroconversion.
PEP: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
Hello Dear
This is second time am writing, first was during when i was taking PEP.. a recap: I had sex with a lady, the condom got torn, i didnt stop until i ejaculated inside her, i took her for test, she was HIV positive, i started PEP 28hrs after exposure, i meticolously adhered to it for 30days… i felt burning sensations around my feet the day i started PEP which stopped 5days afterward, had a partial swell on my cervical lumph nodes on the 18th day on PEP… i finished the PEP on the 6th of october, by 8th october i had a boil on my penis, which burst 3 days later, discharging great pus/blood combo, the burning sensations on the sole of my feet returned on the 17th october.. then 31th october, i had a single bean-size swells under my jaw and armpit, no fever/chills/night sweet/headache/joint pain, i did 4th gen test today,(roughly 26 days post PEP) which returned negative… my questions are these symptom HIV seroconversions? could my earlier symptoms during PEP and the boil on the penis be as a result of other STI like syphillis/herpes as i got to know later the lady was already on drugs for STI she was suffering already!! Can PEP delay Herpes or other STI symptoms? do i have a good chance that the PEP worked or just delayed seroconversion? Thanks
Hi Bangs, no this does not mean PEP has failed. As your partner had told you she is negative, there is no reason to think otherwise and PEP was not needed.
For more information about PEP please see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
Had unprotected sex with a female who told me she was negative, but after the sex started pep 12hours later. Missed 2 dose of the pills but not consecutively, I am at the 15th tablet and I am having headache and muscle pain. I wish to know if it’s possible the pep failed and should I discontinue?
Hi Kirk, no this is not a sign of seroconversion. Please see here for more information: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
I engaged in risky sexual contact 12 days ago. I started PEP 18 hours after exposure.
My PEP consists of Emtricitabina and Tenofovir disoproxilo (one tablet), and Raltegravir (the second tablet). I have taken the tablets on time, and have not missed any doses.
I have had upset stomach, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping most days since I started medication. Today, I have a fever of about 100F (38 celsius) and continued upset stomach. Can this be a sign of seroconversion? Do I need to consult my doctors and take a test?
Hi Antony, how are you? Please see here for more information: https://i-base.info/guides/testing/symptoms-and-seroconversion