Question
Can I stop PEP early?
3 February 2022. Related: Adherence, All topics, PEP/PEPSE, Stopping treatment.
Hello, I am currently on a 28 day course of PEP. I am curious as to if I can stop early to keep a few pills of each, for if this ever happens again (it was hard and took FOREVER to get this prescription). I was thinking of either stopping at day 21 or day 25. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Answer
Hi Leo , how are you doing?
Stopping PEP early might reduce how effective it is at working. As such it would not be recommended to do what you are suggesting, especially at day 21. Stopping at day 26, like as suggested in this post is not likely to cause harm and does have some benefit.
Have you considered PrEP? On-demand dosing does not require regular medication and when used can prevent need for PEP. This is a link to using on-demand PrEP.
Josh.
Hi T, how far into your course of PEP are you?
As you have both tested negative the risk of HIV transmission is low to zero. It is possible that either yourself or your partner is in a ‘window’ period depending on last risky exposure though this is a rare event.
Any low risk exposure is not a case for using PEP. Before stopping please speak with your prescribing doctor and discuss these test results with them.
Hi , i am on pep but both of our Hiv rapid test results came out negative, should i stop or continue