Q and A

Question

Can Truvada be used as PEP?

17 March 2022. Related: Access to treatment, Adherence, All topics, HIV transmission, PEP/PEPSE, PrEP.

Hello I’m writing from South America, Chile, first thing I am sorry about my English since it is not my first language. I had a risky encounter (broken condom, I was bottoming) and I started PEP 34 hours after, but they only gave me Truvada. I don’t know if this 28 day prophylaxis will be effective, any advice will be welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Answer

Answer: Josh Peasegood

Hi, how are you doing?

Truvada alone is not the most effective medication to be used as PEP.

Truvada only contains two medications instead of three meds used in PEP. Are you able to speak to a doctor? Truvada does contain some of the medication of PEP, but adding a third drug (maybe raltegravir or dolutegravir) with Truvada would be better.

However this does depend on availability and other options may be available where you are.

Even if you can’t get an additional drug, there is still benefit to taking Truvada and it will reduce the risk of transmission.

Josh.

75 comments

  1. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi AC, had you been on PrEP previous to this?

    PrEP contains 2 drugs and PEP 3 (usually).

    PrEP can be used as part of the PEP combination. In some cases it can be suitable to just use PrEP as PEP. PEP is recommended to be a 3-drug combination however the evidence for adding the third drug is limited. A 2-drug combination (PrEP) can be suitable to prevent transmission.

    You can always add a third drug to PrEP when taking it as PEP to complete a full 3 drug regimen.

    More information about PEP can be found here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq

  2. AC •

    Hi Josh, Simon,

    I had exposure (unprotected receptive anal) in the last 5 hours, and had taken PREP immediately after exposure.

    I’m wondering is PREP suffice to prevent the transmission ?
    As I came across different website suggesting that PEP that combining 3 drugs are more effective.

    If PREP is not suffice, I’ll see the doctor immediatelty to get PEP treatment as soon as possible.

    Earliest response would be appreciated

    Thanks again
    AC

  3. Simon Collins •

    Hi Isaac, sex workers are usually very active and well informed about their health as it is an important part of their job. For some reason their clients don’t want to believe this, and the clients are often much worse at testing. Please see this link that answers all your Qs about PEP and more, including that your risk is very low from one time:
    https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq

  4. Isaac •

    I had vaginal sex with someone I paid to have sex without using a condom 5 days ago. She said she had no HIV, but I don’t know when she was tested. I’m in New Zealand. My GP prescribed me Truvada for PEP without the third drug. I took the first pill around 47 hours after sex and had the fourth pill this morning. I’ve been taking the pills and am very worried. Could I ask if Truvada alone is effective? Thank you.

  5. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Mikey, as you still started a full dose within 72 hours your course of PEP will still be effective. You were able to begin a complete dose and added the third agent (Tivicay) within this time making sure it is most effective.

    For more information about PEP please see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq