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

Answer: Li Marhaban

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.

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

56 comments

  1. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Mercy, have you ever experienced a flow like this before? Changes in menstruation are not a side effect of PEP. If this is out of the ordinary for you, it is best to discuss this with a doctor and/or sexual health clinic.

  2. Mercy •

    Hi doctor
    I have used pep for like 14 days now . I started my periods like 3 days ago but I’ve been having a heavy flow that I need to change my pad after 1hr or 1hr 30min. Should this be a concern and does pep increase the flow.

  3. Simon Collins •

    Hi Hadijah, PEP does not have these side effects. It sounds like you might just be a little late.

  4. Hadijah •

    Hi doctor am on pep now for 8 day but am missing my periods yet i have no sign of pregnancy could it be a side effect of pep

  5. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Josephine,

    I’m really sorry to hear about your assault, are you getting any support?
    With regards to the PEP, you took it within 48hrs of the assault, so yes it should be effective. However to know if its worked you’re going to need to test.
    Given what happened to you, this may be a difficult time. It’s important however to realize that even if this man was positive and not on medication, it’s hard to contract HIV. You also did the right thing by starting PEP when you did.

  6. Josephine •

    They raped me at 10:30am. I was rushed to the hospital and given pep,I started my medication the following day at 8:24am,I do take my medicine as prececribed by the doctor,will be pep work for me

  7. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Doreen,

    The ARVs in PEP don’t affect a woman’s menstrual cycle. So PEP is unlikely to be causing the prolonged periods. But please see your doctor about these changes to your periods.

  8. Doreen •

    After PEP I’m experiencing prolonged periods is that normal

  9. Roy Trevelion •

    Hi Thozama,

    Do you want to know where to get PEP? Please talk to your doctor. It’s a good idea to do this quickly. The sooner you start PEP the better.

    If you live in South Africa you can contact the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) at this contact link for local support.

  10. Thozama •

    Did i get PEP at chemist