PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is emergency HIV prevention medication used to prevent HIV infection after exposure to the virus, typically within 72 hours. PEP involves a regimen of medication, guidelines for discontinuation, and effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission. It is an emergency HIV prevention medication that many people may not be familiar with.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medication that must be prescribed and dispensed by healthcare professionals and facilities, it is not available for purchase over the counter at general pharmacies.
Therefore, before receiving this type of antiviral medication, a thorough medical history and detailed examination by a physician are necessary. Additionally, proper guidance on medication administration is essential. Let's explore how to take the medication, potential side effects of PEP, and the extent to which it may pose risks to the body. Intouch Medicare Clinic has the answers for you.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is emergency HIV prevention medication. PEP, short for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, is a medication used to prevent HIV infection after potential exposure to the virus. It should be taken within 72 hours of exposure and continued for a duration of 30 days.
Exposure to HIV is considered a medical emergency as the virus can rapidly replicate within 24-36 hours. Therefore, receiving medication promptly after a risky exposure is crucial, ideally within 72 hours.
The recommended PEP regimen typically includes a combination of three medications in one pill, which may consist of Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF) 25 mg, Emtricitabine (FTC) 200 mg, and Dolutegravir (DTG) 50 mg. Additionally, there are other PEP medication regimens available, which healthcare providers may adjust based on individual patient circumstances.
PEP medication has been confirmed to offer at least 80% effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission. However, since PEP is an emergency HIV prevention medication used after potential exposure to the virus, its efficacy depends on various factors, Characteristics and duration of exposure The amount of infection in an infected person, if there is more infection, the effectiveness will be less, etc.
"You should take medicine |
Side effects are usually only at the beginning of taking the medication and will gradually improve on their own, but if the symptoms are very severe, you can inform your supervising doctor for further treatment and examination.
footnote: Take the medicine for only 30 days, so you don't have to worry about long-term side effects.
Things to know before taking PEP Emergency AIDS Medication Patients must consult a doctor to ask about their history, medical conditions, and other information, and take an HIV blood test for the HIV virus, kidney and liver values before taking all medications. Screening for other sexually transmitted diseases such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C, syphilis, gonorrhea is recommended for treatment.
How do you take Pep pills? How long do you take them?
Start taking 1 tablet as soon as possible after exposure (1-2 hours), no later than 72 hours, and continue taking 1 tablet per day at the same time for 30 days or 4 weeks.
During PEP, patients should refrain from donating blood and wear condoms during sexual intercourse. If risks arise during taking the drug, continue taking the medication first and inform the doctor. To adjust to increase the duration of eating longer in some cases.
Patients are advised to watch for symptoms of early infection, such as low-grade fever, body aches, headache, rash, fatigue, weight loss, etc., as the early infection may remain undetectable. If you have symptoms, you must always inform your doctor to plan your follow-up accordingly for each individual.
The doctor will schedule a follow-up test 1 and 3 months after taking PEP to test for HIV to ensure that there is no infection and monitor for side effects caused by taking the medication.
Appointments after taking PEP are very important. Patients should follow up regularly and assess their risk to: If there is still a tendency to engage in risky behaviors, the doctor will recommend that the patient continue taking PrEP to better prevent infection.
Pregnant women can take Pep to prevent infection, and the drug does not harm the fetus, but must be under the supervision of a specialist doctor.
However, the patient must first consult with the supervising physician to plan the course of taking the medication together, and the doctor will consider taking it on a case-by-case basis.
Taking Pep pills frequently is not dangerous, but it shows a tendency that the client is at high risk. Therefore, PrEP is recommended to prevent it better.
Can I stop taking pep before 30 days?
It can be stopped. If you are confident that your partner is not HIV positive and there is no additional risk, both the client and the sexual partner must consult with your doctor before stopping the medication every time and it is safer to take it for 30 days.
Reference
Centers for Disease C, Prevention.Updated guidelines for antiretroviral postexposure prophylaxis after sexual, injection drug use, or other nonoccupational exposure to HIV—United States, 2016
Division of AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases Department of Disease Control Ministry of Public Health.Diagnostic Guidelines Treatment and prevention HIV Infection Thailand Year 2021/2022
Composer : NATTAWADEE SRIBORISUT, MD
Last edited : 19/03/2024
