Question

Can PEP also work as PrEP?

27 April 2022. Related: All topics, HIV transmission, PEP/PEPSE, PrEP.

I am on day 24 of pep. My gf is hiv positive and I am a man.

Will i be at risk if i have unprotected sex today on day 24?

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Hi

PEP can also work at PrEP for some of the time you are taking the PEP.

This only works if the PEP includes both the meds used for PrEP.

These are tenofovir and either emtricitabine (FTC) or lamivudine (3TC).

Please see the links below for more detail about PrEP.

If your girlfriend is taking HIV meds and has an undetectable viral load, then this also stops the risk of transmission. Undetectable = untransmittible (U=U).

6 comments

  1. Simon Collins •

    Hi Ed – thanks – your Q is covered in this link with more info on PEP:
    https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq

  2. Ed •

    Hello,

    I was on my 22nd day of PEP treatment when I had a second exposure with a person of unknown status.

    I used a condom correctly but unfortunately it broke during vaginal intercourse with my partner. However, when I realized it had broken (and part of the glans was exposed) I stopped immediately and washed my penis with warm water and soap. So my questions would be:

    1. Am I at risk of being infected with HIV in this situation?

    2. Do I have to extend my current treatments?

    I appreciate any help, I am very worried.

  3. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Sean, no you cannot transmit HIV while on PEP.

    For more information please see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq

  4. Sean •

    Can I infect someone while on pep medicine

  5. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Sean, please see out testing and transmission F&Q. I-base is not a charity designed for testing and prevention questions. We are focussed on people living with HIV and information required about their treatment.

  6. Sean •

    Hello Sir Josh, it’s Sean again! I got tested with PCR viral load test (29 days after last dose of PEP, 53 days after the second exposure, 2 months after the very exposure) how accurate is the result? It was undetectable. And one more please, if during PEP i just had another exposure (day 24 during pep so 33 days promptly till the day i got test) does my PCR viral load result cover my very last exposure and no complexity with PEP? Thank you and please respond sir!