Question

I finished PEP. Now I have symptoms?

3 February 2022. Related: All topics, PEP/PEPSE, Side effects.

3 days after finishing PEP I am having stomach pain and diarrhoea.

Answer

Answer: Josh Peasegood

Hi, how are you doing?

Side effects from PEP would present while taking PEP. Now that you have finished taking PEP these symptoms would not be caused by your medication.

It is also too early for this to be a sign of seroconversion. A number of things can cause stomach pain and diarrhoea. PEP and HIV are not likely in this case. If your symptoms continue/worsen it is important you seek medical help.

Please see this link for more information about PEP:
https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq

Josh.

106 comments

  1. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Mvelo, at 6 weeks post PEP you can use a 4th generation antigen/antibody test to confirm your status.

    More information about testing can be found here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

  2. Mvelo •

    I finished pep 6 weeks ago now am starting a flue and I test negative i am getting worried I also have muscle aches and a rash

  3. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Simphiwe, it is great to hear that your partner is doing fine. How is she adjusting to being HIV positive and is she doing well on treatment?

    For more information about transmission and testing you can see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

    The earliest you can test and confirm your status is 6 weeks after the last dose of PEP using a 4th generation antigen/antibody test.

  4. Simphiwe •

    Hi Simon

    I did advice her to go the clinic, She did go nd test again +ve nd access some treatment since then.
    She’s doing very fine.

    Can you plz reply to my concern as well

  5. Simon Collins •

    Hi Simphiwe, how is your partner. You had no right to make someone take an HIV test, and as they are actually now positive I am worried about them and if they have access to care.

  6. Simphiwe •

    Hey

    I had an unprotected sex with someone who is HIV Positive nd not taking a treatment, She never told me the day we engage but on the ff day I bought a her a testing kit since it was my first time engaging without a condom. Nd we only had 1 round, 2 hours after sex I got 2 pills of prep from one of my friend nd took them same time.

    Her result came out positive, I then went for pep nd completed the course toward the end of Februay. I did experience some symptoms after finishing pep nd now the symptoms came back.
    I ain’t sure if it because am nevous nd am always thinking about it.
    I have back pains; headache nd fever.
    Last week 7 April I took an OraQuick Test nd came out Negative but am still nevous. I cant even sleep peacefully.

    How many chances that I would test Positive anytime from now
    Am very scared each nd every day