
How long do you need to take Pep?
Apr 28, 2021 · How Long Do You Need to Take PEP? If you are prescribed PEP, you will need to take the HIV medicines every day for 28 days. You will also need to return to your health care provider at certain times while taking PEP and after you finish taking it for HIV testing and other tests. How Well Does PEP Work?
How long after exposure to HIV can you take Pep?
Español (Spanish) PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) means taking medicine to prevent HIV after a possible exposure. PEP should be used only in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after a recent possible exposure to HIV. This section answers some of the most common questions about PEP. You can also download PEP materials to share.
What is post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)?
Apr 21, 2021 · How Do You Take PEP? PEP consists of three drugs that you take one–two times per day for 28 days. Ideally, the first dose of PEP should be administered immediately, within two hours but no later than 72 hours after an exposure, because the …
When should Pep be used in emergency situations?
How to take PEP Do not skip a dose or fail to complete the full month as this makes it less likely to work. Do not double a dose if you miss one. If you do miss a dose and you remember in less than 24 hours, take the next one as soon as you remember. If you miss more than 48 …

When should I stop taking PEP?
You should only stop taking PEP if your healthcare provider instructs you to do so. You must complete the full course of medication to have the best chance of stopping HIV infection.
How long is the whole course of PEP treatment?
Most importantly, PEP is only taken for 28 days. In almost all cases, the benefits of HIV prevention outweigh any other risks posed by the medication.
How long should I take PEP pills?
How Long Do You Need to Take PEP? If you are prescribed PEP, you will need to take the HIV medicines every day for 28 days. You will also need to return to your health care provider at certain times while taking PEP and after you finish taking it for HIV testing and other tests.Apr 28, 2021
Can I stop taking PEP after 5 days?
most health workers report stopping PEP within a week or two. Either way, holding back a few days of PEP does makes practical sense, especially when health services generally – certainly in the UK – keep people waiting for at least four hours, if not considerably longer.Mar 12, 2022
Can I stop taking PEP after 2 weeks?
PEP must be taken exactly as instructed and for 28 days. Do not skip a dose or fail to complete the full month as this makes it less likely to work. Do not double a dose if you miss one. If you do miss a dose and you remember in less than 24 hours, take the next one as soon as you remember.
Is taking PEP for 14 days effective?
Testing 4 weeks after PEP will detect 95% of infections. Testing after six weeks will detect more than 99% of infections. This result doesn't need to be tested again. If PEP has not worked, serosonversion usually occurs 1-3 weeks after PEP is finished.
What is the success rate of PEP?
PEP is effective in preventing HIV infection when it's taken correctly, but it's not 100% effective. PEP can lower the risk of getting HIV infection by more than 80%.Mar 10, 2021
What does PEP do to your body?
When PEP is taken, the HIV drugs get into the bloodstream and the genital and rectal tissues. If there is HIV in the body, the drugs can prevent HIV from replicating within the body's immune cells, and help to prevent a permanent infection from developing.
What causes PEP failure?
PEP failure, when it occurs, is usually attributed to delayed initiation, transmitted drug resistance, or suboptimal medication adherence.Oct 23, 2013
Why should PEP be taken for 28 days?
PEP should be taken for 28 days. It is important to take all the doses, at the right time and in the right way, to give PEP the best chance of working. You might be given an additional two days' drugs if you have been at risk of exposure to HIV in the last 48 hours of the course of PEP.Feb 4, 2022
How long does it take for PEP to work?
To be most effective, PEP should be started within a few hours of exposure to HIV. If it is not started within 72 hours (3 days) it is not likely to work. So the sooner it’s started after exposure, the greater the chance of working.
When to not use PEP?
Know when NOT to use it. PEP is not recommended after oral sex or other low risk activities. If you’re not sure how risky it might have been, make sure you know the risk and talk to a healthcare professional or call the PEP hotline.
What is the number to call for PEP?
Contact your local sexual health clinic, hospital accident and emergency department or the 24 hour PEP hotline 1800 PEP NOW ( 1800 737 669 ). Tweet.
What is PEP in HIV?
If so, PEP may be your answer. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis ( PEP) is a four week course of anti-HIV medications taken daily (in pill form) that can potentially stop HIV infection ...
How often should gay men test for HIV?
Though it might not be a risk for HIV, you could still pick up other STIs which is why it’s important that all sexually active gay men test often; at least twice a year and more if you have a lot of partners. 3. Give yourself the best chance of it working.
Can PEP cause nausea?
As with most antiretroviral drugs, PEP can cause side effects such as diarrhoea, headaches, nausea/vomiting and fatigue. However these are usually mild and generally only last a few days with no long-term side effects. Speak with your GP or sexual health clinic if you have any concerns.
Is PrEP approved by TGA?
PrEP is currently not approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Click here to find out options to access PrEP in Australia. UVL: Men living with HIV who have a sustained undetectable viral load (UVL) and no sexually transmissible infections (STIs) for at least six months.
How long does it take to get a follow up test for PEP?
Follow-up Tests. If you are on PEP, a healthcare professional will ask you to schedule a follow-up appointment within 72 hours. Your appointment will include: HIV testing. Lab monitoring for drug toxicity. Counseling. Repeat HIV testing will be obtained 30 days and 90 days after exposure.
What is PEP in HIV?
What Is PEP? PEP is a way to help prevent the transmission of HIV in an HIV-negative person who may have been recently exposed to the virus. PEP consists of taking three HIV antiviral drugs for 28 days after exposure to the virus.
How long does it take to take raltegravir?
Raltegravir or dolutegravir. Ideally, the medication should be started immediately, within one–two hours of exposure . A PEP supply of three–five days is usually first given for emergency use, followed by the rest of the 28-day dose. PEP should not be confused with PrEP, which involves taking two HIV medications on an ongoing basis, before, during, ...
How long after exposure to HIV can you get a repeat test?
Counseling. Repeat HIV testing will be obtained 30 days and 90 days after exposure. Testing should be performed using a fourth-generation HIV test. If a fourth-generation test is unavailable, an older test may be used along with more frequent follow-up appointments to limit the possibility of a false-negative result.
How long does it take to get a repeat HIV test?
Repeat HIV testing should be obtained at six weeks, 12 weeks, and six months minimum. Sometimes these repeat tests are in addition to testing at 30 days and 90 days. If you test positive or develop symptoms of acute retroviral syndrome, an HIV viral load may be obtained.
Is PEP the same as PrEP?
PEP should not be confused with PrEP, which involve s taking two HIV medications on an ongoing basis, before, during, and after possible exposure to HIV. 2. Preventing HIV With PrEP.
Can you prescribe PEP with raltegravir?
Those who have been sexually assaulted. Those who are unclear if a sexual partner has or had been exposed to HIV. Anyone who engages in needle sharing. Of note, if you are pregnant and have been exposed to HIV, your doctor will prescribe PEP with raltegravir instead of dolutegravir to limit the risk of birth defects.
How long does it take for PEP to work?
PEP (sometimes called PEPSE) is a combination of HIV drugs that can stop the virus taking hold. It can be used after the event if you've been at risk of HIV transmission. To work, PEP must be taken within 72 hours (three days), and ideally should be taken within 24 hours.
How long does PEP last?
PEP must be taken exactly as instructed and for 28 days. Do not skip a dose or fail to complete the full month as this makes it less likely to work. Do not double a dose if you miss one. If you do miss a dose and you remember in less than 24 hours, take the next one as soon as you remember.
What is the medication used for PEP?
The medication now used for PEP is a single tablet called Truvada and two tablets of raltegravir. Side effects from PEP are likely to be mild ones in the first few days, such as nausea, headaches or tiredness. Do not take recreational drugs while on PEP as there can be dangerous interactions.
Is PrEP effective for HIV?
If you're worried that you've been exposed to HIV, it might be well worth finding out more about HIV prevention pill PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). It's available in some form in all UK countries and when taken as prescribed is almost 100% effective at preventing HIV transmission.
How long does PEP last?
The medications used in a PEP treatment regimen may vary based on an individual’s age or other medical conditions. Regardless of the exact medications used, PEP is usually taken for 28 days. Various combinations of HIV medications used as PEP exist and will depend on an individual’s specific situation. Your doctor or healthcare provider will let you know what medications are recommended in your specific situation.
What is PEP treatment?
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a treatment option given after potential exposure to HIV has occurred. PEP involves taking a combination of antiretroviral medicines called ART. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is different from PEP in that PrEP is taken before a potential exposure occurs, and on a long-term basis. For example, PrEP may be taken every day by an individual who is sexually active with a partner who is HIV-positive.
Does insurance cover PEP?
Some insurance providers will cover PEP. However, if you do not have insurance or your insurer does not provide coverage, there are other options. There are medication assistance programs created by the manufacturers of PEP medications that may be able to provide reduced or no-cost treatment. Alert your healthcare provider if you think you will have difficulty affording PEP, and they will work with you and the medication manufacturers to come up with a solution.
How long does it take to start PEP?
PEP must be started within 72 hours after an exposure. The sooner you start PEP, the better. Every hour counts. Careful practice of standard precautions can help reduce the risk of exposure while caring for patients with HIV. Learn more about occupational exposure to HIV and how to prevent it.
What is the PEPline number?
Clinicians caring for workers who’ve had a possible exposure can call the PEPline (1-888-448-4911) for advice on managing occupational exposures to HIV. Exposed workers may also call the PEPline, but they should seek local medical attention first.
How long did it take for a blood sample to come back negative for HIV?
Blood obviously came back negative for HIV because it had only been 12 hours.
Is PEP a risk to health?
Though many are still being offered PEP in this situation, a critical look at the literature says that PEP isn't going to add to health risks. If you have ongoing potential HIV exposure (s), particularly among people who are not on ART, you should also ask if you're appropriate for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Know When to Use It
Know When Not to Use It
- PEP is not recommended after oral sex or other low risk activities. If you’re not sure how risky it might have been, make sure you know the riskand talk to a healthcare professional or call the PEP hotline. Though it might not be a risk for HIV, you could still pick up other STIs which is why it’s important that all sexually active gay men test often; at least twice a year and more if you have …
Give Yourself The Best Chance of It Working
- To be most effective, PEP should be started within a few hours of exposure to HIV. If it is not started within 72 hours (3 days) it is not likely to work. So the sooner it’s started after exposure, the greater the chance of working. Make sure you complete the full course of treatment as well to give yourself the best odds against infection: take yo...
Understand The Potential Side Effects
- As with most antiretroviral drugs, PEP can cause side effects such as diarrhoea, headaches, nausea/vomiting and fatigue. However these are usually mild and generally only last a few days with no long-term side effects. Speak with your GP or sexual health clinic if you have any concerns.
Plan For The Future
- There is no guarantee that PEP will prevent infection. In any case, we recommend you to continue to stay safe. There are now at least five strategiesthat ACON defines as ‘safe sex’, provided that certain parameters are met. They are: 1. The use of condoms for casual encounters 2. PrEP: HIV negative men taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) every day. PrEP is currently not approved b…