Q and A

Question

Do I need to extend PEP after being exposed midway through?

Hello Here are the sequence of events need guidance:

1. April 25th my condom slipped when I pulled out since I panicked, concerned my Doctor started me on PEP Truvada and Tivicay which was started in time (40 hours) on April 27th.
2. I have been on PEP for two good weeks and had a very similar incident, where the condom slipped again. I don’t know the person’s status is unknown. May 12th, this is quite a bizarre instance of occurring twice. I think I switched to a new condom brand.

I have two clarifications here:

1. Since I am on PEP and one of the medication Truvada is also used as PREP what are the risk here for me with given incident?
2. I am still taking PEP and have 15 more days of dosage left which will end on May 28th. So given that I am already on. The meds and the risk exposure of the issue should I just complete rest of my course and extend the PEP additional 2 weeks?

NOTE: I have been very careful and these unfortunate incidents happened twice.

Appreciate your guidance

Answer

Hi, how are you doing?

You do not need to extend your course of PEP. This is because, as you have mentioned your regimen of PEP contains the drug combination used in PrEP. For this reason PEP will have been acting as PrEP in your body and prevent further risky exposures while midway through the course.

You can finish your course of PEP when originally expected (when you get to the end of the next 15 days).

I understand that you have said this is a rare occurrence but have you considered PrEP? This would prevent any further panicking if you have any future problems with condoms.

Josh,.

134 comments

  1. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Sean, while on PEP it does not matter how long you have been taking it as it will be a minimum of 28 days in total. PEP will work like PrEP from the first dose – this is why you are taking PEP.

  2. Sean

    Good afternoon Josh! This is what you have replied,
    Hi Sean, yes PEP does work as PrEP. You do not need to extend the course of your treatment by 7 days.
    Do you mean 7 days from the first dose if PEP will work like PrEP?
    And once again, i am 4 weeks away from my last dose of PEP. During PEP on day 24th I was with an hiv positive guy again BUT no penetration and did only ejaculate on my stomach after rubbing around my penis. Does this mean a risk exposure? Secondly, I met him on 21st Jan then on 10 Feb I saw a small fully healed scare near my penis area. My last question is, do you think i had got that sore since i was with him 20 days ago?
    I remember I had a look nearby every day around my secret area and it should have noticed some time for 20 days until it’s healed and that small scar is really small and i am afraid his cum got into my body.

    Please kindly share your insight Josh! I have just taken PCR test for HIV today and will be receiving my result 4 days later. Today covers everything 33 days after my intimacy on 21st I mentioned . Thank you really thank you for your time reading it and response!

  3. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Sean, no this is not a risk for infection.

    For more information about transmission please see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

  4. Sean

    Hello Josh!
    Does rubbing hiv person’s penis on mine then he ejaculated on my stomach cause HIV transmission? When i rinse off myself, can cum flow and i got infected? Thank you again!

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