Question
Will PEP work if I take it for 28 days?
13 April 2022. Related: Adherence, All topics, PEP/PEPSE.
Hi, I had unprotected sex with a massage parlour lady (Thai Lady) for 15 minutes, I ejaculated outside. At 39 hours after exposure I consumed my first PEP tablet. I am worried about what would happen after PEP course? I know this is all my mistake but I was out of my senses at the time. I don’t know the HIV status of that lady. Would PEP work if I take the tablet for 28 days consistently?
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
A course of PEP taken within 48 hours is how it is most effective. Given that you started PEP at 39 hours it means you have given yourself the best chance of it being successful.
PEP does require you to take it daily so like you have said, you need to take it consistently for the 28 days.
It is also much more likely that this lady was HIV negative rather than positive and even if she was it is likely they were on medication and undetectable. There are a number of factors that change the risk of transmission and in your case the risk is low.
Josh.
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