Question
Should I add a third drug for PEP?
13 November 2023. Related: Access to treatment, All topics, PEP/PEPSE.
I had a high risk sexual encounter (male, anal sex) without a condom several days ago. I immediately began a course of Truvada within 24 hours of the encounter. It has now been approximately 96 hours since the encounter. Is it still worth it to obtain the 3rd drug typically used in PEP, or would that no longer with be worthwhile – and thus simply stick with the Truvada? Thank you.
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
Are you able to readily access this third drug?
PEP is routinely offered as a 3-drug regimen however a 2-drug regimen, such as Truvada can be suitable.
Using 3 drugs is based on low evidence. There is a minimum requirement for 2 but adding a 3rd is more for completion and greater surety that it will be effective. It is not a definite thing that is needed for PEP to work.
If you can get a third drug to add it will not make your treatment any less effective. The most importnat factor is that you had started Truvada within 72 hours of the exposure. It is not too late to add a 3rd drug if you can get hold of one.
Josh.
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