How long do you need to take Pep?
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?
When should I start PEP after HIV exposure?
Starting PEP as soon as possible after a potential HIV exposure is important. Research has shown that PEP has little or no effect in preventing HIV infection if it is started later than 72 hours after HIV exposure. If you’re prescribed PEP, you’ll need to take it once or twice daily for 28 days.
What is post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)?
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. What Is PEP? PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, is a short course of HIV medicines taken very soon after a possible exposure to HIV to prevent the virus from taking hold in your body. You must start it within 72 hours after you were exposed to HIV, or it won’t work.
What is the typical course of treatment for Pep?
All persons offered PEP should be prescribed a 28-day course of a 3-drug antiretroviral regimen. Since adherence is critical for PEP efficacy, it is preferable to select regimens that minimize side effects, number of doses per day and the number of pills per dose.
How many days should PEP be taken?
PEP must be started within 72 hours (3 days) after a possible exposure to HIV. The sooner you start it, the better; every hour counts. You need to take the PEP medicines every day for 28 days.
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.
Is 7 days of PEP enough?
But you have to start PEP within 72 hours, or 3 days, after you were exposed to HIV, or it won't work. The sooner you start, the better it works — every hour matters. You take PEP 1-2 times a day for at least 28 days. The medicines used in PEP are called antiretroviral medications (ART).
Why does PEP have to be taken for 28 days?
PEP involves taking a 28-day course of anti-HIV drugs, after possible exposure to HIV. Doctors will assess your risk of HIV infection before prescribing PEP.
Can I stop PEP after 5 days?
PEP usually isn't given more than 72 hours (3 days) after exposure as studies show it is unlikely to be effective. However, if you are unable to access PEP within the 72 hours, even if it has been up to 5-7 days since the exposure occurred, it is still worth seeking medical advice to see what your options are.
Which test is best after PEP?
Once you have finished your course of PEP, you should take an HIV test to be sure that you are free from infection. Your Better2Know testing options include: Early Detection Screen - or HIV RNA PCR test - just 10 days after you have finished PEP.
What happens if you stop PEP early?
Stopping or skipping doses may be dangerous. PEP is prescribed for 28 days, meaning you must take the medication each day for 28 days. Do not skip doses. PEP may not work correctly if taken in combination with certain medications.
How do I know if PEP worked?
Talk to a healthcare provider if you develop a fever or rash during or after PEP use, as this may be a sign that the medication has not worked and you are experiencing the first symptoms of acute HIV infection. PEP is not 100% effective, so there are times when the drug will not prevent you from acquiring the virus.
What if I miss a day of PEP?
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 missed dose as soon as you remember. If you miss more than 48 hours of PEP ( two consecutive doses ) it will be discontinued.
How can I make PEP more effective?
Obtaining PEP from a healthcare provider. Taking the medications every day for 28 days. High adherence to the full month-long course of PEP is important for maximizing effectiveness. Starting PEP as soon as possible after a potential exposure to HIV, but not more than 72 hours afterwards.
Can I take antibiotics with PEP?
Antibiotics recommended for PEP include ciprofloxacin or doxycycline. Levofloxacin is recommended as a second-line antibiotic owing to limited long-term safety data. Penicillin should not be used presumptively for PEP of anthrax.
Is PEP same as ARVs?
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is the short-term use of antiretrovirals (ARVs) to reduce the probability of contracting HIV after potential exposure, either occupational (through a work-related accident) or non-occupational (for example, during unprotected sex, rape, or the use of contaminated injection supplies).
Who prescribes PEP?
Emergency medicine physicians are among the most frequent prescribers of PEP, given the need for immediate treatment after exposure. Clinicians working in ambulatory care practices can also ensure that their non-HIV-infected patients who report risk behavior are aware of PEP, and know how to access it.
How to start a PEP?
Guidelines recommend the following baseline screening before initiating PEP: 1 HIV rapid test at baseline. If baseline rapid test indicates existing HIV infection, PEP should not be started. However, if rapid HIV baseline test is not available, there should be no delay in starting PEP. Oral HIV tests are not recommended for use among persons being evaluated for PEP. 2 Pregnancy test (if a woman is of reproductive age, not using highly effective contraception, eg IUDs or other long-active reversible contraceptives (LARCs), oral contraceptives, or properly used condoms, and with vaginal exposure to semen). 3 Serum liver enzymes 4 BUN/creatinine 5 STI screening#N#Persons being evaluated for PEP because of a sexual encounter should have STI-specific nucleic acid amplification (NAAT testing) for chlamydia and gonorrhea, and a blood test for syphilis 6 Hepatitis B testing, including hepatitis B surface antigen, surface antibody, and core antibody 7 Hepatitis C (HCV) antibody
What tests are needed for PEP?
BUN/creatinine. STI screening. Persons being evaluated for PEP because of a sexual encounter should have STI-specific nucleic acid amplification (NAAT testing) for chlamydia and gonorrhea, and a blood test for syphilis. Hepatitis B testing, including hepatitis B surface antigen, surface antibody, and core antibody.
Is PEP effective for HIV?
PEP is only indicated for potentially exposed people without HIV infection. PEP is unlikely to be effective in people who have been exposed more than 72 hours before seeking medical assistance. PEP should be provided only for infrequent exposures.
Can you start a PEP if you have HIV?
If baseline rapid test indicates existing HIV infection, PEP should not be started. However, if rapid HIV baseline test is not available, there should be no delay in starting PEP. Oral HIV tests are not recommended for use among persons being evaluated for PEP.
New (September 17, 2018)
Guidance for Non-HIV-Specialized Providers Caring for Persons with HIV Who Have been Displaced by Disasters (such as a Hurricane) external icon
Update (May 23, 2018)
Interim Statement Regarding Potential Fetal Harm from Exposure to Dolutegravir – Implications for HIV Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). Please see attached PDF pdf icon [PDF – 104 KB].
Resources for Consumers
Basic PEP Q&As – learn the basics about PEP and if it’s right for you.
Resources for Providers
Visit the Prescribe HIV Prevention website to learn about using PrEP and PEP to reduce new HIV infections.
What is PEP in rabies?
Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) consists of a dose of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) and rabies vaccine given on the day of the rabies exposure, and then a dose of vaccine given again on days 3, 7, and 14.
Does PEP include rabies?
For people who have never been vaccinated against rabies previously , postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) should always include administration of both HRIG and rabies vaccine.
What is PEP therapy?
PEP (positive expiratory pressure) therapy helps open and move mucus out of your lungs. You breathe into a small handheld device that has a valve. You breathe out against a set amount of pressure. The pressure helps hold your airways open. It also allows air to get behind and loosen mucus.
How does PEP therapy work?
Some PEP therapy devices use vibrations, or oscillations, to help loosen mucus. As you breathe out, the pressure and vibrations in your airways work together to help loosen mucus. PEP therapy also helps air get into the small airways deep in your lungs.
Can you refuse treatment?
You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
How long does it take for PEP to work?
PEP must be started as soon as possible to be effective – always within 72 hours of a possible exposure – and continued for 4 weeks. Learn more about PEP.
What is a PrEP?
PrEP is a prevention method used by people who are HIV-negative and at high risk for being exposed to HIV through sexual contact or injection drug use. When someone is exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use, these medicines can work to keep the virus from establishing an infection. Learn more about PrEP.
