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 Grace, PrEP (and HIV medication in general) do not have an effect on the menstrual cycle. Have you spoken with your doctor about these changes? and have you ever had changes like this in your cycle happen before?
Hi I have used prep for 2 month first month period was pushed by 3 day this month I was late by 5 days so it’s, definitely the prep I am taking…. I never had a problem with my Cycle.
Hi Amanda, do you know the type of PEP you were given? Is it to prevent HIV? As the patient tested negative there would be no need to be on PEP. Even if the rashes were caused by something other than HIV, the PEP give would have no effect on this. Have you mentioned this joint pain to your doctor? While it is a possible side effect of PEP it is important you have this investigated.
On 7th of faburary I was involved by needle stick with a patient used needle around 1pm in the afternoon although the patient is negative but he has a rashes on one side of his face so i was given pep around 9am the next day being 8th faburary for 14 day. From 1st of march till now I’m having joint pain my legs and hand. and headache
Hi Jesse, being on PEP does not stop you falling sick with any other illness. You can still catch the cold/flu while on PEP. Being ill is not a definite sign of HIV seroconversion.
Hello I was on pep and I fell sick with the flu. Is that a side effect or could it be serconversion to the HIV infection
Hi Bevi, PEP does not interfere with your menstrual cycle. Have you done a pregnancy test? As you are not often late, and if you are not pregnant you should contact your doctor.
Hi ..I took pep for the first time.first day and after few hours I took postinor2 ..my periods always came early than the date in the calendar and now its two days to the date in the calendar I’m worried please help.Bevi
HI Frank, sorry for any confusion. Testing depends on if you use PEP or not. For a conclusive test it needs to be 6 weeks using a 4th generation test. Either from the date of exposure, or from 6 weeks after the last dose of PEP. Testing is delayed with PEP as PEP can suppress HIV and can interfere with the accuracy of results.
Hi Josh based on Tony’s comment I’m confused as you said 4 weeks test post exposure is 95% accurate but he was on PEP treatment. So means he will still need to test after 6 weeks post exposure or post PEP treatment? Or the test he took 4 weeks post exposure is good enough?