Question
Why do I suffer from upset stomach after taking PEP?
18 April 2012. Related: All topics, PEP/PEPSE.
I was exposed to HIV in March 2012 after vaginal sex without a condom. I am now on PEP. I tested negative twice, last test ELISA 4th generation in early April 2012. I still have no symptoms of but have an upset stomach for the last three weeks. Could this be HIV?
Answer
PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) is the term for using HIV drugs after a potential exposure to reduce the risk of HIV infection. PEP usually involves taking a combination of three HIV drugs for 28 days. Very early use of HIV drugs may stop HIV establishing infection.
Because PEP involves taking HIV medicine, this can also cause side effects including upset stomach. However, as with any symptom this is something you should tell your doctor about.
For more information on PEP, please take a look at this link.
Hi Dotty,
I’m very sorry to hear this. I hope you’re feeling okay.
It’s good that you tested HIV negative. But please talk to the doctor about missing your period. What meds were in your PEP? It’s a good idea to discuss this with your doctor to make sure that Postinor 2 worked well with your PEP.
Hi! Can PEP affect my menstrual cycle? I finished taking pep on 5th September and tested negative but then I have missed my period. Please help me cause I used together with postinor 2 when I had a forced sex. Dorah
Hi Gift,
Have you finished taking PEP? It sounds like it might not be a side effect. Please see your doctor and find out what’s causing it.
I took PEp for one month and am having consistence headache what could cause it
Hi Kevy,
Are you taking atazanavir as part of your PEP? Yellow eyes and higher bilirubin are reported side effects of this drug in only about 10% of patients. However, increased levels of bilirubin is a cosmetic change rather than causing a health problem.
HIV treatment reduces viral load very quickly. And as Lisa says you don’t need to use condoms if viral load is under 50. If your girlfriend started ARVs very recently that could be why the viral load result was not under 50 a month ago. But could it have been under 50 when you removed the condom?
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for your prompt feedback. Today,I went to hospital and they found that my bilirubin was higher 6 yet before I start PEP 6 days ago it was normal and eyes becoming more yellow. Shall I continue taking pep drugs?
Then about my risk exposure my girlfriend viral load is 1958, results of a month ago. I have to give precision that when we were having sex we used condom and removed it for few mins (60seconds) to cum. Was I really at high risk?
Hi Kevy,
If your girlfriends viral load is less than 50 then you don’t need to be using PEP. This is because its not possible to transmit HIV when a person has a viral load of less than 50.
You’ve only been on meds for 7 days, your liver won’t have been damaged. I can’t say when your eyes will change colour. You don’t need to take anything to stimulate your immune system.
Hello! I was really depressed until I find this forum. I did sex with a girl using condom then in the course of the action I removed it as I though this could help to cum faster. After, the girl told me that she was hiv+ and was regularly taking medicaments.
I went to the hospital within 18hrs and was put to PEP treatment, 2 medicaments (1 tablet from each/ day). Before prescribing me the drugs, I was tested and found that I was HIV- and even ny kidney and liver were fine. Today, is my 7th day taking pep drugs. At the 5th day my eyes became yellow, and had slight diarrhea. When I went back to hospital they told me that I had allergy to one medicament which they gave me a replacement but still my eyes are yellow. However the urine is clear (not yellow) as I take too much water, at least 2ltrs per day.
Now I am wondering the following:
1. Did pep drugs damage my kidney and liver since I took them yet I was hiv-?
2. What was my risk level to be infected? Reminding you that I am circumcised.
3. My partner who is HIV+ but following treatment is ready to get tested for viral load. If they found that they too low to transmit infection, can I stop taking pep.
4. A part from yellow eyes and little diarrhea, I have no other signs of side effect. When will my eyes become to normal colour.
5. I was thinking about drinking TREVO food supplements to support my immune system. It is a good idea?
Looking forward your prompt assistance.
Tks.
Kevy
Hi Kondwan, in the UK, PEP is still used up to 72 hours after a risk, so it might still work. Most guidelines however set the cut-off at 48 hours. If you are anxious or worried about the risk, then taking PEP might make you feel more in control. If your risk was very low or you are not worried, then some doctors might say PEP wonly has a small chance of working this late.
hi doctor
i start PEP in 65 hours after exponsing ,so will it work affective?