Question
Can I assume my symptoms while on PEP are seroconversion?
23 May 2022. Related: All topics, HIV testing, HIV transmission, PEP/PEPSE.
Hi, I’ve taken PEP due to the fact our condoms broke. I didn’t know the status of the lady. I took the Ranega (TLD) as PEP, after a week after I finished PEP I had flu and sore throat. Now we are in the 4th week and my body is itching and I can start seeing a rash.
Can I assume this is a seroconversion status? I haven’t taken any test yet because I’m waiting for a total of 6 weeks then I can go do a test.
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
No. This is not likely seroconversion. These are too few and too general symptoms to be considered seroconversion.
The flu and the sore throat are common. Regardless of being on PEP it does not stop the flu being common. Do you still have these symptoms?
It is possible that this rash is a side effect of Ranega. Have you spoken to a doctor about this? A rash should be seen by a doctor from when you notice it.
Have you been able to speak to your partner about their status? There are a number of factors other than the use of a condom that can alter the risk of a transmission.
You are right that a test is conclusive after 6 weeks after PEP. But you can take a test at 4 weeks to help with stress. This test will be 95% accurate and the test at 6 weeks will be conclusive. This is a guide about dealing with test anxiety.
Please see this link for more info on PEP:
https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
Josh.
Hi..please I took PEP 19 hours of exposure( needle prick from an Hiv patient) .I started having fever and flu on my 5th day.. please will I be infected..how do I know PEP is working?
Hi Brian, PEP does not trigger gout. It could be happenstance that you are experiencing gout after PEP and there is no link between the two.
Ive had mild muscle and joint pain several weeks after taking pep pills and now I occasionally feel a slight headache in the back of my head my familiy has a history of gout… I’m worried I might have triggered gout or is it a symptom of something else
Hi Missy, please see here for more information: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
Can you seroconversion while taking Pep Meds? I’ve been on them for 22 days and now I have a sore throat and muscle aches.
Hi Oj, yes PEP will still be effective. Please see here for more information: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
I HAD A NEEDLE PRICK FROM HIV POSITIVE PERSON THAT IS NOT ON DRUGS AND I STARTED PEP 22 HOURS AFTER CAN I STILL BE INFECTED?
Hi Ramesh, please see here for more information: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
4 days Ago I was sex with Transgender women(Prostitute) , With Condom in her operated vagina after ejaculation my condom tear she suddenly moved she also checked any sperm are in her vagina but there is nothing so she moved at the time of condom tear , I was not sure about her hiv status , can you please clear my doubt that any hiv or std is transmitted through this to me and I was started pep in 65 hour and I was so tired and and feeling weak and sometime vomiting and light pain in pennis is these are symptoms of of Hiv please advice
Hi LT, it was not too late to start PEP. As you started treatment within 72 hours PEP will be effective. It does not matter that you were close to 72 hours. PEP does not prevent other infections. The symptoms you have described could be caused by another infection e.g., cold/flu, or could be caused by stress. For more information about PEP see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq