Question
I missed a dose of PEP.
2 January 2022. Related: Adherence, All topics, PEP/PEPSE.
Hi. I am taking PEP and I forgot to take my pill at the exact time I always take it. I remembered in 8 hrs and took the pill. Can I continue to take my pill the exact time I always take it? And does this reduce my chances of not getting HIV? Please help.
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
Yes you can continue to take PEP at the usual time you do.
Although it is better to not miss any meds, if you do forget once or twice, this is unlikely to make much difference. Especially if these are doses towards the end of the month.
While it is not advised, missing a dose by a few hours is unlikely to cause a problem. PEP remains in the body for more than 24 hours. As you remembered tot take PEP, the levels within your body would have stayed at a biologically significant level.
If you have another question please ask,
Josh.
Hi Ron, please see here for more information about PEP: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
I took Pep on day 1 (I started it within 48hrs after the exposure), then I missed day 2 and day 3. After that I have been taking it everyday without missing any dose. I am on day 21, I have 9 pills left (I got 30 pills, I plan to take the full 30 pills). Will it still be effective?
Hi Precious, as you were already at day 15 there would be a high enough level of PEP in your body to account for being this late with your treatment. PEP will still be effective as you are continuing with the course.
Hi. I forgot to take my 15th dose at 7:00 am as usual, I only recalled in the evening around 6pm and took it instantly. Will it still be effective since there’s a gap of many hours in between and haven’t yet passed my 24th day?
Hi Pep, please see here: https://i-base.info/qa/21622
I’m a big time marijana smoker I smoke on a daily basics and I stopped for a week now because I’m taking a medicine called pep and I was wondering if I smoke weed everyday will it make my pep weaker or not as effective?
Hi Stewart, as you had almost finished your course PEP is still likely to be effective. While 28 days is the standard duration, the evidence base for this is low and shorter courses can be effective. The most important time to be on PEP is the first few weeks which you have done. Please see here for more information: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
I only took 24 PEP tablets
I didn’t take 28 as stated
Will it be effective or not
Hi Bikonz, missing a single dose is not going to lead to these symptoms. Have you gone to see a doctor about this?
Hie I missed a dose at day three and after sex I have abdomen pain/pevic pain plus eye swollen