Question
Late with the after sex on-demand PrEP dose.
5 March 2022. Related: Adherence, All topics, PrEP.
Hello for all. I started 2-1-1 prep, took 2 pills 3 hours before sex. Then I took second pill after 24 hours after sex, not 24 hours after the first 2 pills – I have delayed the second pill by 3 hours. I’m still continuing taking PrEP every day because I have sex but I am just worrying is it ok to delay the second dose by 3 hours? Thank you for reply.
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
Being 3 hours late on the second dose is not likely to cause a problem. The initial double dose will have increased the drug levels within your body more than a single dose anyway. These drugs tend to remain at the required drug level within the body for more than 24 hours.
While it is best to take the medication as routinely as you can, being late by 3 hours is unlikely to cause you any problem. As you have now continued with daily dosing, PrEP will have remained at effective level within your body.
There is no reason to be concerned after this event,
Josh.
Hello Bryan and thanks for getting in touch.
That kind of delays (1 or 2 hours) don’t affect the protection PrEP gives you and you can take it next whatever time works best for you.
As long as you take it every day you are protected.
We always explain that if you take it around the same time you minimise the risk of forgetting a tablet but the time is not set on stone.
I am guessing you started with a double dose?
If not please do from now on as it builds much better protection faster.
Hi, I took my 2nd dose of prep on demand 2 hours late, is that still effective?
And what will be the time for my 3rd dose? 24 hours after the 2nd dose or 48 hours after my first dose?