Question
Do I need to extend PEP after being exposed midway through?
16 May 2022. Related: All topics, HIV transmission, PEP/PEPSE.
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,.
Hi James, yes you are protected. PEP contains the same medication that is used to treat HIV. In these cases people taking ARVs are protected from further transmissions. This is known as treatment as prevention. As such this can be applied to PEP. PEP also contains the same medication (+more) that is used in PrEP. This is why when on PEP you are protected from further exposures.
I know you’ve answered a lot of people with pretty much the same question but am I definitely protected if I had unprotected sex while on pep. I can’t really find anything else that says I am. I had been taking it for about 15 days when I had unprotected sex. I’ve just finished my full course yesterday and I’m now worried because I feel I should have extended my regimen.
Hi Luke, you do not need to extend the dose. While you are on PEP, it will act as PrEP. This means for that the duration of the course of PEP you are protected from any further HIV exposure. You can finish your course of PEP when originally planned.
Hi I am Luke. I am on avonza ( Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate/ Lamivudine/ Efavirenz) 300 mg / 300mg / 400mg as PEP for unprotected sex. While on PEP day 16, I am exposed to other people’s blood on my cuts.
Should I extend the dose?
Hi Henok, you do not need to change anything. Continue taking PEP at the same time you normally do. There would have been enough PEP in your body to cover you for being 9 hours late on this occasion.
You do not need to extend your course of PEP. When taking PEP you are protected from further potential exposures of HIV. You can finish your course when originally planned.
Have been on pep for 24 days on 25th I had unprotected sex After Un Protected Sex I taken the doze late by 9hr should I extend the doze or what shall i do
Hi Henok, you do not need to extend the course of PEP. After so many days there would have been enough PEP in your body to protect you for being 9 hours late on this occasion. As PEP acts as PrEP during the course of treatment, you are protected from further exposures. You can finish your course of PEP when originally planned.
Have been on pep for 24 days on 25th I had unprotected sex & I taken the doze late by 9hr should I extend the doze or what shall i do
Hi Go, why have you been taking PEP for 6 months? PEP is a course of medication that should only last 28 days. You do not to extend the course of PEP if you have an exposure mid way through.
After finishing PEP, you can use PrEP. PrEP is a drug similar to PEP but contains one fewer medications. It is more effective at preventing HIV transmission than PEP. You do not need to take it every day and it can be taken on-demand when sex is expected. PrEP: https://i-base.info/guides/prep
hello pls i started having sex 3 days after i was on pep tld to be precise i have been on it for the past 6 months since i last started it does it mean i am safe and i have been having sex all this while