Question

Late with on-demand PrEP…

27 July 2023. Related: All topics, PEP/PEPSE, PrEP.

Late taking on-demand prep.

I had unprotected sex and hadn’t started taking PrEP prior. I realised it’s probably better to have some meds sooner than later so I took it 30min-1hour after intimacy. I will continue taking it every 24 hours until I finish the bottle (as I heard for PEP they take it for 28 days) – even though they have an additional anti-viral medication.

Am I at a really high risk for not taking PrEP 2 hours before? (on demand schedule).

Thank you for your time.

Answer

Answer: Josh Peasegood

Hi, how are you doing?

PrEP is used BEFORE sex. PEP is used AFTER.

Even though it is only 2 hours before. These 2 hours are long enough for PrEP to protect against HIV. The medication is able to be absorbed into the body and prevent transmission.

PEP is used after when PrEP hasn’t been used before sex. It is a course for 28 days. You are right in that PEP contains an additional third drug compared to PrEP which uses 2.

PrEP does contain some of the same medication and it is possible this will work as PEP. PEP can, when needed, only be a 2 drug regimen. It does need to be taken for at least 28 days at the same time every day.

Do you know how risky this exposure was? Do you know the status of this person? and if they were on treatment?

Please see this link for more information about PEP:
https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq

Josh.