Question
Should I extend my course of PEP?
29 January 2023. Related: All topics, HIV transmission, PEP/PEPSE, PrEP.
I had my first exposure on 9th January and I started PEP(Darunavir) and PrEP (Truvada) immediately. Unfortunately, I had my second exposure on 28th January while on PEP and PrEP regime. I am left with 8 more days of medication. Should I extend my medication since my second exposure occurred on 28th January or I just stick to the original plan of completing my medication which happens to be on February 5th. Please advise.
Answer
Hi, how are you?
You can finish PEP Feb 5th. As this second exposure occurred while you were on PEP, inc. Truvada, you are protected from further exposures for the duration of the course.
This means that this second exposure didn’t carry any risk. You do not need to extend your course of treatment.
Josh.
Hi Joseph, as you had more than 2 days of PEP remaining you do not need to extend the course of PEP. You can complete your course when originally expected.
For more information about PEP please see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
Hello I was on pep and got another second exposure when I was remaining with 4days of completing my pep
I don’t know if I should extend my pep medication
Hi Sean, you do not need to extend your course of PEP.
Biktarvy will still be effective at preventing further exposures. You can complete your course of PEP when expected (at day 28).
PEP: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
Hi Josh,
I have the similar condition with original poster. I accidentally had second exposure (unprotected anal sex) on the 14th day of PEP course, but my medication is Biktarvy (Bictegravir+Emtricitabine+Tenofovir). Therefore, I’m not sure should I extent my medication course. Please advice and thank you so much.
Hi Carlos, this is a very low risk exposure. In the UK PEP would not be recommended. As this guy has been using PrEP and has a recent negative HIV test, there is no reason to think that this is a risky event.
Hi Josh,
I have unprotected sex with a guy 2 days ago, he told me he was on PREP and tested negative last middle January (He showed me the message).. He even showed me the PREP pills and everything and gave me some to take and he took one itself that day.. but yesterday I panicked wondering if what about he had missed some days and have it and don’t know, and he could transmited it to me… So I went to emergency and got this morning into PEP as I couldn’t manage the anxiety, I did a test last week and it came negative… My questions is would it be any chance the he could still have HIV even that he said is on PREP and pass it to me? Should I still go ahead with the full PEP treatment? That first dose was really strong..
Hi Mark, while on PEP you are unaware of your status. This means it is possible to pass on HIV. However, PEP would suppress any HIV making transmission very difficult. Your partner does not need to take PEP. Testing negative after a course of PEP would mean there was no risk to your partner.
Thank you so much for responding. While I was on PEP and PrEP regime during my second exposure. What were the chances of me infecting my partner? Was there a possiblity that person on PEP or PrEP could act as carrier of HIV? I just want to know that after taking medication for 20 days if I could have infected my partner. I am just worried about my partner.