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 Eddah, no you do not need to extend the course of PEP. While you are taking PEP you are protected from further exposures. This is irrespective of the route of potential transmission. You can finish your course of PEP when originally planned i.e. in 2 weeks.
Iam currently on Pep (acriptega) after pricking my self with the same needle I used to drow blood from a Hiv positive client iam a healthy worker,I had a second neddle prick after taking for two weeks,should I had another 28 days
Hi Jennifer
Please read the info linked here about HIV risk, especially the FAQ:
https://i-base.info/qa/11844
You don’t need to extend the PEP. The PEP is also covering you as PrEP.
Hi,
Do I need to extend PEP after being exposed midway through? The CDC states to take PEP for 28 days after the last exposure date? Confused as to what to do regarding this situation?
Hi Dibyesh, if you have had another exposure after completing your course of PEP, you will need to start and complete another course.
Repeatedly needle prick after Complete of pep course of 2 days
Hi David, you do not need to extend your course of PEP. While on PEP, the treatment will also work like PrEP. This means that for the course of treatment, you are protected from further exposures. You can complete PEP when originally planned.
Hello, I have been taking PEP for an exposure 27 days ago.
I have been taken PEP correctly, at the same time each day. On day 23, I had another sexual exposure, I continued my PEP undisturbed.
Do I need to extend my PEP regime, I’m receiving conflicting information online! Thank you, for all that you do!
Hi Abhi, yes you can do this. It is great that you are thinking about using PrEP. You can use it as soon as you finish PEP. While you are taking PEP you are also protected from further exposures as it contains the same (+more) medication that is used in PrEP.
Hi there , I am currently on PEP. After I complete my course, can I start with ‘On Demand PrEP 2-1-1’ course if I feel that I may have an exposure? Is On Demand PrEP effective in preventing HIV?