Question
Is PEP going to work if I took it 72 hours after exposure?
21 April 2022. Related: All topics, PEP/PEPSE.
Is PEP going to work if I took it 72 hours after exposure?
Answer
Most guidelines recommend that PEP needs to be used within 48 hours.
UK guidelines say that PEP can be taken up to 72 hours after sex where there is a risk of HIV. It is unlikely to work after this though.
Please see this link for more information about PEP:
https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
Is it useful at 75 hours exactly after possible exposure
Hi Sarah, for information about testing please see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
Hi please tell me
I tested positive with a faint line then it was done again with a different test kit as a confirmatory then it’s negative on test two and three….Am worried about this and can infect my guy
Hi Nick, yes PEP can be used. PEP is effective if started within 72 hours of the exposure. For more information please see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
Can PEP be started in the 71st or the 72nd hour (not after, but just in the last hour) post exposure? Will it be effective?
Hi Tata, unfortunately starting PEP this late after exposure will not have an effect. PEP should be started within 72 hours. After this PEP is no longer effective. There is no benefit to continuing with PEP.
I started taking PEP 142 hours after exposure, do I stand a chance it will work or should I stop?
Hi Nicholas, people can often say things that make no sense. The best way to look after your sexual health is to have a routine check up. This will also stop you worrying.
I slept with someone who claims that i will regret why we did unprotected sex with her, yet now am confused that she might have spread hiv virus to me
Hi Nicholas, please follow this link to our testing and transmission FAQ: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing