Q&A: All you need to know about Emergency PEP in 2024

HIV PEP must be started within 72 hours of exposure for maximum effectiveness. 
The sooner you get medical care, the better. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a brief regimen of HIV antiretroviral medications aimed at lowering the risk of HIV establishing itself in the body following exposure through high-risk sexual contact.

If you're considering HIV PEP after high-risk HIV exposure, contact us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or any of the following platforms for more information.

+66 65 237 1936   @PULSEClinic   PulseClinic

1. What Should I Do?

DONT PANIC!

As long as you get the emergency pill within 72 hours after exposure, you're saved.

2. The Newest Medication That is used for PEP is BIKTARVY

Fewer Side Effects, Better Completion Rates: Studies have found that using Biktarvy as an HIV PEP after potential HIV exposure had fewer side effects and higher completion rates than other medications. 

This is excellent news because it means that more people are likely to take the entire course of medication, reducing their risk of getting infected with HIV.
It is an encouraging option for those using Biktarvy for PEP.

3. How to Take BIKTARVY as HIV PEP

You should take one Biktarvy pill every day for 28 days.
It's important to take the pill at the same time each day, ensuring there's a 24-hour gap between each dose.
This routine should start with the first dose and continue until you complete the entire 28-day course.

You can take your Biktarvy with or without food.

TIPS: During your treatment course, if you're travelling and encounter time zone differences, it's advisable to set reminders for your medication.
This ensures consistency in taking your doses at the appropriate times, despite changes in time zones.

4. What If I Forget One Dose?

It is important to take your HIV PEP with the correct dose at the same time for 28 days to ensure efficacy

1. Take the next dose as soon as possible, unless it is time for the next dose
2. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the regular schedule.
3. Do not take a double dose to compensate for a forgotten dose.
4. If 72 hours or more have elapsed since the last dose, discontinue PEP

5. Side Effects of BIKTARVY

Biktarvy may cause serious side effects, including worsening hepatitis B infection, so it's crucial to get tested for hepatitis B before starting Biktarvy.

Other potential side effects include immune system changes, kidney issues (even kidney failure), high levels of lactic acid in the blood (a rare but severe condition), severe liver problems (also rare but fatal), and common side effects like diarrhoea, nausea, and headache.

6. What Should I Do After I Finish Taking BIKTARVY for 28 Days?

After four weeks, a follow-up visit is scheduled to repeat a comprehensive blood test, including a full blood count, liver and renal function tests, and an HIV test.

Additionally, it's advised to undergo follow-up HIV tests at 3 and 6 months following the exposure.

7. Should I Get PrEP to Protect Myself after This?

Yes, HIV PrEP reduces the chances of becoming infected with HIV by 99%. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a risk-reduction treatment against HIV that involves the daily consumption of HIV preventive medication. 

Note: Biktarvy is approved for HIV PEP and long-term HIV treatment only. It is not approved for PrEP use. 

8. Who Should Start PEP?

HIV PEP is advised in the following circumstances:

1. In cases of high-risk sexual encounters, which include any unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse, receptive oral intercourse with ejaculation, includes:
   • A partner confirmed to be HIV-positive or
   • An individual belonging to a high-risk HIV group (such as commercial sex workers, IV drug users, men who have sex with men/bisexual men), or
   • Instances of sexual assault.
2. For instances of needle or blade sharing, particularly in cases of needle-stick injuries where exposure to contaminated items is likely.
3. Condom broke/Slipped.
4. In situations involving exposure to contaminated bodily fluids like blood, semen, or genital fluids, mainly through open wounds, cuts, sores, or ulcers.

In these scenarios, HIV PEP is highly recommended as it can effectively prevent the transmission of HIV and AIDS.

9. What is DoxyPEP?

DoxyPEP serves as a post-exposure preventive remedy for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea. Similar to a morning-after pill's function for pregnancy, it's intended for bacterial STDs.

Administer a single dose following a condomless sexual encounter to significantly minimize the likelihood of contracting bacterial STIs.

It's important to note that DoxyPEP does not protect against HIV.

10. How do I take DoxyPEP?

The dosing regimen is two 100-mg tablets (total of 200 mg) taken within 72 hours of a condomless sexual encounter, ideally within the first 24 hours. 

If you have had oral, anal, or vaginal sex consecutively for a few days, take a daily dose of DoxyPEP within 24 hours after each sexual encounter. After your last sexual encounter, take your DoxyPEP within 24 hours, but not later than 72 hours after your last sexual encounter.

11. Is there anything I should not take DoxyPEP with?

Take doxycycline with a full glass of water or something else to drink so that it does not get stuck when you swallow.

Please inform our medical team if you are taking any other medications or supplements to avoid infections.

• Avoid taking it with Alcohol
• Carbonated drinks
• Dairy products (milk, cheese, etc.)

Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours before or after taking this medicine.

If you're considering PEP after high-risk exposure, contact us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or any of the following platforms for more information.

+66 65 237 1936   @PULSEClinic   PulseClinic

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