Imagine, when you least expect it, you suspect that you have been exposed to the HIV virus. Maybe it was due to unprotected sex, or maybe it was due to sharing a needle with someone who injected drugs. The fear and shock you feel at a time like this cannot be put into words. But just being afraid is not enough. There is a special treatment that can protect you in such an emergency. That is what we are talking about today.
What is PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)?
Simply put, PEP is a drug treatment that prevents the virus from permanently infecting the body after exposure to HIV. It is a medication that must be taken daily for 28 days .
The most important thing is that for this treatment to be most effective, you must start taking this medication within 72 hours (three days) of when you think you may have been exposed to HIV.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a treatable, but not completely curable, lifelong condition. Therefore, exposure to HIV is a medical emergency . If you suspect that you have been exposed, go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately.
PEP is for emergency use only. It is not intended to be used as long-term protection for someone who is at high risk of HIV infection. If you are at high risk, talk to your doctor about PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), a treatment that you can take before you are exposed to HIV.
What do you do before starting PEP treatment?
Before or immediately after you start PEP treatment, your doctor will take samples of your blood and urine and perform several tests to determine the type and dosage of medication you should be given. The main tests will include:
- Check if you are already infected with HIV.
- Check for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viruses.
- Confirm whether you are pregnant.
- Check if your liver and kidneys are functioning well.
Additionally, depending on how you were exposed, you may also be tested or treated for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as multiple infections can occur at the same time. For example, gonorrhea and chlamydia.
How does this PEP medication prevent HIV?
This is very simple to understand. Think of the HIV virus as a thief trying to enter your house. The antiretroviral drugs in PEP treatment stop this thief from taking up residence inside your house and making copies of his stuff (the virus).
These drugs attack the virus in different ways. Therefore, treatment is more effective when several drugs are given together. If we start these drugs early , we can control the HIV virus before it becomes a chronic infection in the body.
What medications are used for PEP?
Doctors prescribe a combination of antiretroviral drugs for PEP. These are the same drugs used to treat people with HIV. They are taken as pills. Your doctor will decide the type and dosage of the drugs you will take based on your health condition.
| Drug category | Commonly used drugs |
|---|---|
| Basic drug combination (two drugs in one pill) | Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (FTC/TDF, known as Truvada® ) Or Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide (FTC/TAF, known as Descovy® ) |
| The third drug added to the above drug | One of the following:
|
Ask your doctor exactly when to take this medicine and how many times a day to take it.
What are the chances that PEP treatment will not be successful?
Studies have shown that PEP treatment reduces the risk of HIV infection by more than 80%. However, sometimes this may not be as effective as expected.
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Delay in starting treatment | If started after 72 hours of exposure, success is very low. |
| Skipping medication doses | If you don't take your medicine at the right time every day, you won't be able to control the virus. |
| Not completing 28 days | If you stop the medication early, the virus will have a chance to become active again. |
| Re-exposure | If you are exposed to the virus again while taking PEP. |
| A drug-resistant virus | If the strain of HIV you were exposed to is resistant to PEP drugs. |
Are there any side effects of PEP treatment?
Some people may experience minor side effects from PEP medication, but these are usually not serious.
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
If something like this happens , don't stop taking the medication . You can talk to your doctor and find a solution.
Where should I go if I am exposed to HIV?
Exposure to HIV is a medical emergency . Don't waste time.
You can go to these places:
1. Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) at the nearest hospital: This is the best and quickest way. Once you explain your situation, they will do what is necessary.
2. Sexual Health Clinic / STD Clinic: You can also get help for this by visiting STD clinics located in government hospitals.
3. Your Family Doctor: Your doctor may be able to prescribe PEP, but they will most likely refer you to an ETU or a specialist.
Wherever you go, clearly state , "I suspect I've been exposed to HIV, and I need to see a doctor right away." Time is of the essence here.
What happens after 28 days?
After you finish PEP, you should get tested for HIV again as directed by your doctor. Usually, you will be tested again 4-6 weeks after exposure, 12 weeks (3 months), and 24 weeks (6 months). This is the only way to be 100% sure that you are not infected.
Take-Home Message
- Exposure to HIV is a medical emergency. Don't waste time being afraid or embarrassed.
- It is essential to start PEP treatment within 72 hours of exposure to the virus. The sooner you start, the more successful it is.
- PEP treatment must be taken for 28 days , without missing a single day, and exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
- If you have any doubts, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Always use a condom during sex while taking PEP and until your final HIV test confirms that you are not infected.
- It is very important to take the HIV tests recommended by your doctor at the scheduled times after treatment.
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