What is PEP therapy for HIV?

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A fourth generation ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) should be done at six weeks and then after 12 weeks after exposure. Meanwhile, you can take PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) therapy for HIV as a preventive treatment.

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No test can detect HIV so early. RT PCR or qualitative DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) can detect infection at one to two weeks after exposure, and, fourth generation ELISA at four to six weeks after exposure. However, they may be false positive or false negative this early. So, a final 12 weeks fourth generation ELISA should be done for confirmation. PEP therapy is post-exposure prophylaxis used to prevent HIV infection in case of risky exposure. It consists of a fixed does combination (single tablet) of Lamivudine 300 mg, Tenofovir 300 mg, and Efavirenz 600 mg. It should be taken once daily for 28 days, at night, two hours after dinner and avoid fatty food in dinner. No dose should be missed. It should be started as soon as possible after exposure for it to be effective and is not much effective after 72 hours of exposure.

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You can get PEP for HIV in any good pharmacy and can start it from tomorrow. It does have side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, etc.

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Yes, it is started before knowing the results of the HIV test as it is used for prevention. It is only for HIV and not any other. The medicine should not be stopped if the side effects are tolerable as this is the most effective combination for preventing HIV. However, if they are very extreme and intolerable then the medicine may need to be changed.

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Nothing in medicine is absolute. Research has shown PEP is about 90% effective but not 100 %.

Good luck.

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You should stop it after 28 days. Lifetime is for those who are confirmed to be HIV infected.

Regards.

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In most of the patients, there are no symptoms for many years. Few may have flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, etc. two to four weeks after an infection. You can take the fourth generation ELISA test after two weeks of completing Trioday (a combination of Lamivudine, Tenofovir, and Efavirenz), that is, after six weeks of exposure, and then repeat at 12 weeks after exposure. If you are very anxious, you may take an RT-PCR test two to three weeks after exposure, but it will not be very reliable.

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Yes, you can take it.

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You can get tested now and then after four weeks. The recommended test is fourth generation ELISA test for HIV. You can maintain physical relationships with your wife. Good luck.