Question
Can I use ARVs instead of PrEP?
9 September 2019. Related: All topics, HIV transmission.
My girlfriend has tested positive and on arvs,and I have tested negative, can i drink arvs to prevent myself since i am in South Africa and can’t afford the prep meds.
Answer
Hi
ARVs and PrEP use the same drugs.
But ARV combinations (called ART) use three HIV drugs and PrEP only uses two drugs (tenofovir DF and emtricitabine).
PrEP should be available free in South African clinics.
You can’t use your partners ARVs for PrEP.
Jo John, as you had been off PrEP for the 7 days prior PrEP would not have been in your body.
Starting the day after means the treatment you are using is effectively PEP. A 3-drug regimen is recommended but Hetemicit alone can be used as PEP. Was this a high risk exposure e.g., long duration of sex, other infections, drugs etc…?
PEP is only required in HIGH risk exposures.
More information about PEP can be found here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
Hi. I stopped taking Prep (hetemcit) for almost a week due to the side effects. On the 7th day of me stopping I had a possible exposure to HIV. I took prep the following day and have been taking it since. What are the chances that I will need to take PEP?
Hi, Hetemcit is a 2-drug combination. It is usally used with one other drug to form a 3-drug combination.
A 3-drug regimen is preferred for PEP but a 2-drug can be suitable. The minimum is 2 drugs with the additional third being based on limited evidence. Using Hetemcit will be an effective course.
More information about PEP can be found here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
Hi is hetemcit effective as pEp because it’s what the doctor gave me as PEP
Hi Hloni, thanks Hetemcit is a generic version of tenofovir disoproxil and emtricitabine (TD/FTC). It contains two HIV drugs and can be used as PrEP.
https://i-base.info/guides/12423
PrEP needs to be taken both before and after sex.
PEP is a month of HIV meds taken soon after sex, but usually includes three meds not just two. Please see here for more info in PEP.
https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
Hi I’m hloni , can I use Hetemcit for pep , after unprotected Sex
Hi Nonny, please see here for more information about testing and transmission: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
Hi there
I had unprotected sex with someone whom I don’t know their status. When I asked them what is their HIV status, they said they last tested negative 4 years ago and they don’t know their current status. I didn’t have money to go to the clinic so I used my friends ARVs till I’m able to go to the clinic, we had sex 7 days ago and started taking ARVS 4 days ago. Tomorrow I’m going to the clinic. What are the chances of being positive since im going to start Pep tomorrow?