Question
Does PEP have side effects?
5 February 2018. Related: All topics, PEP/PEPSE, Side effects.
Hello,
I am confused with PEP treatment, specifically about the side effects.
From sexual health charities I hear that PEP treatment can cause occasional side effects which may or may not go over the 28 days treatment. Another one (THT) says that the side effects are extreme and about 1 in 5 people on PEP stop taking it as a result.
The sexual health nurse said that side effects on PEP are very common and are severe.
I’ve heard from 3 people who have had PEP and they said that they didn’t get any side effects.
What’s the official line on PEP and side effects? I thought that PEP usually uses recommended triple therapy, using drugs that are well tolerated. Is the conflicting information I am receiving due to outdated data or current data?
Thank you for any clarity you provide.
Answer
All meds have some risk of side effects, but for PEP this risk is usually low. If side effects do occur, they are usually mild.
This depends on the meds used in the PEP combination.
In the UK in 2018, the PEP combination is usually raltegravir plus a combined pill with tenofovir DF/emtricitabine, which generally causes very few side effects, if any.
Even general side effects like nausea, diarrhoea and tiredness are not experienced by most people.
If mild side effects occur, they usually get easier after the first week or two as your body adjusts.
PEP that contains a drug called efavirenz is not recommended in the UK, though is used in some countries where there is less choice for HIV drugs. Efavirenz has a higher risk of side effects including mood changes and vivid dreams.
Discontinuation rates for PEP are often not very good. Studies of health workers who are exposed with a needle-stick injury report many people stop before the full month of treatment.
Note: This answer was updated in February 2018 from a question first posted online in June 2009.
Hi Linda,
Unfortunately no, PrEP will not work for you if you’re already HIV positive. It means HIV can become resistant to these HIV drugs (ARVs).
There are just two HIV drugs in PrEP. And if you’re HIV positive you need to take three or more HIV drugs as treatment. Please see this link to info about PEP and PrEP.
But your boyfriend can take PrEP to protect him from HIV if you’re not using condoms.
Can I ask why you’re not taking HIV treatment (ART)? Do you have access to ART where you live? Please let us know.
Here’s an introduction to ART. There’s lots of info here about starting treatment.
Please am positive and am not on drugs can I take PEP? My boyfriend knows that am positive but he doesn’t want to use condom so can I take PrEP he can’t be effected with hiv
Hi Alex,
Usually, you are asked to have an HIV test 28 days after finishing PEP. Please see this link for more information about PEP.
Hi
I ve completed my pep on Sunday this week but I was told to come for an HIV test after two weeks. I had fever and sore throat for a week while I was on pep. Please advice.
Hi Collins,
Please can you see the doctor and have your symptoms checked. What are the PEP meds you’re taking?
As Simon says above, All meds have some risk of side effects, but for PEP this risk is usually low. If side effects do occur, they are usually mild.
This depends on the meds used in the PEP combination.
I’m on the 13th day of PEP and I feel nausea and extremely dizzy
Hi Subham,
Please see your doctor about these symptoms. PEP side effects are usually mild. They often go away in the first week or two.
I had taken PEP for 28 days. I have mild digestion problems even after completion of the medication for 7 days and tiredness. I am extremely worried.
Hi Joseph,
Please discuss your PEP meds with your doctor. There might be other PEP meds that will be easier for you to take.
Hi.. Am on my eighth day of using PEP, and my side effect are insomnia,fear, vivid dreams, lack of sleep, and many more.. How long will this last