Have you been at risk for HIV infection? Do you know you can benefit from an emergency medication?
It is called Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). It can be prescribed in case of sexual or blood exposure.
It should be started as soon as possible, preferably less than 4 hours and no later than 48 hours after a risk.
The treatment lasts for 28 days. It is highly effective if taken correctly throughout its duration.
What is PEP for?
Post-exposure Prophylaxis is prescribed in the event of a possible exposure to HIV through blood or sexual contact.
A blood exposure is not simply touching a drop of blood. A blood exposure accident usually occurs in the context of medical care and affects health workers. It involves a deep puncture with a hollow, intravascular needle (arterial or venous).
Intravenous drug users can also be infected when injection equipment (needle, syringe, preparation) is shared.
A needle prick with an abandoned syringe, spit containing blood, a bite or a scratch are not considered as blood exposure accidents, since they are not risks of HIV transmission.
A sexual exposure may justify taking PEP if it involves unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse with a partner:
- who has HIV and whose viral load is not undetectable
- who belongs to a high-prevalence group: MSM (men who have sex with men) with multiple partners, sex workers, people from parts of the world with high HIV prevalence (Africa, the Caribbean (including the French West Indies), South America (including Guyana), Asia) or intravenous drug users.
PEP can also be prescribed when a person has performed oral sex with a man in one of the above-mentioned groups and has received sperm in his or her mouth.
Where and when to get it?
Don't waste time: go to an Emergency department as soon as possible. For maximum effectiveness, PEP should be started within the first 4 hours, and within 48 hours at the latest.
Emergency departments are open 24 hours a day to help you assess the risk. During opening hours, you can visit an Infectious Diseases or Internal Medicine department or a testing center (CeGIDD ). We can help you decide where best to go.
What exactly is PEP? What is the purpose of PEP?
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is designed to prevent infection after a HIV exposure. It is a combination of three anti-HIV drugs which must be taken every day during 28 days. For maximum effectiveness, PEP should be started as soon as possible (ideally within 4 hours of exposure).
How do I take PEP?
Emergency departments generally give PEP for 3 to 5 days. Two or three days later, during a new medical appointment, an HIV referral physician will reassess the situation with you. He or she may decide to change medication and stop the treatment or continue it for 28 days, depending on a number of factors: tolerance, reassessment of risk, etc.
For the treatment to be effective, it is essential to follow the prescribed duration, dose and schedule.
Are there any special instructions?
The medication must be taken with food. Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications, if you have hepatitis or if you are pregnant. Certain side effects of varying intensity may appear in the first few days. In the event of serious side effects, don’t stop the treatment but speak to a doctor immediately to avoid treatment interruptions. Solutions are available.
Are there any side effects?
With current medications, there are generally few or no side effects. Diarrhea, nausea and fatigue may occur, but these disappear spontaneously after a few days.
If you experience persistent side effects that you think may be linked to the medication, do not stop taking it, but speak to your doctor immediately. He or she will be able to reduce the side effects (antidiarrheal medication, anti-vomiting/nausea medication, etc.) or change medication.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
PEP is taken once a day. If you have forgotten a dose:
- within 12 hours of the usual schedule: take a dose as soon as possible and continue your treatment as usual;
- more than 12 hours after the usual schedule: do not take the missed dose and continue your treatment as usual.
What if I have vomited?
If you have vomited:
- within one hour of taking the medication: take a new dose;
- more than one hour after taking the medication: there's no need for a new dose.
When do I know if I've been infected?
The result of the HIV test will be totally accurate 12 weeks after the risk (i.e. 8 weeks after the end of PEP). Other STIs will also be tested.
Can I have sex during PEP?
Despite proven efficacy, using a condom is recommended until the last scheduled test, i.e. 12 weeks after the risk.
Do you have questions?
Would you like to talk about your situation? If you have questions about PEP, HIV, STIs or your sexual health in general, don't hesitate to contact us:
- By livechat Monday to Sunday 9 am to 9 pm;
- By email . You'll receive a full reply within 48 hours.
