Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), an antiretroviral drug intended to lessen the risk of HIV transmission to a seronegative person, is similar to PrEP. But the difference is that the therapy is administered following a potential infection. Within the first 72 hours following a suspected exposure, PEP must be initiated as soon as possible. The risk of transmission can be lowered by 80% when the full 28-day course of treatment has been completed.
Tenofovir (TDF) in combination with either Lamivudine (3TC) or Emtricitabine make up the majority of PEP regimens (FTC). Additionally, the preferred first-line HIV treatment regimen uses these medications. The protease inhibitors Lopinavir (LPV) or Atazanavir (ATV) can be added to three-drug regimens. 4 Because adding a third medicine can cause resistance, a two-drug regimen was previously recommended. A three-drug regimen, however, is less toxic and well-tolerated. Unfortunately, the three-drug regimen is not available everywhere, and some nations prefer the two-drug regimen since they are less expensive.
PEP may have adverse effects in addition to drug resistance, which should not be disregarded. Additionally, it's crucial to avoid using PEP frequently and regularly. If this is the case, PrEP should be taken into consideration rather than PEP for the individual. PEP has the same adverse effects as were stated in a previous blog post about the side effects of ART. Skin rashes and gastro-intestinal issues are the most typical. Lactic acidosis, issues with kidney function, hepatitis, or liver failure are the most significant. The liver and kidneys' functions should be assessed prior to beginning medication.
Can anyone use PEP?
- PEP is for anyone who may have recently been exposed to HIV. PEP may be appropriate for you if.
- You didn't wear a condom when having sex with a person who might have HIV, or the condom fell apart.
- You experienced sexual assault.
You may have exposed someone with HIV through sharing needles or objects (such as cotton, cookware, or water).
If you were exposed to HIV within the previous three days and need PEP, consult a nurse or physician very away, or head straight to the emergency room. Timing is really crucial. For PEP to be effective, you must begin using it as soon as you can after being exposed to HIV.
For emergencies, use PEP. It cannot replace tried-and-true, continuing HIV prevention strategies like using condoms, taking PrEP (a daily tablet that lowers your risk of contracting HIV), and refraining from sharing needles. Talk to your nurse or doctor about PrEP if you are aware that you may frequently be exposed to HIV (for example, if you have a partner or partners who may be HIV-positive).
Visit your doctor or the emergency room as soon as possible if you are a health care professional and believe you may have been exposed to HIV at work. After then, inform your supervisor about the occurrence. HIV transmission in healthcare settings is extremely uncommon, but there are precautions you may take and safety equipment you can use to lessen your risk of contracting HIV while providing care for patients.
PrEP for HIV prevention
Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, stands for. HIV infection and spread within the body might be stopped by PrEP. It's not a vaccination. Under the brand name Truvada®, PrEP is a pill that contains two HIV medications (tenofovir and emtricitabine). Daily use of this medication has been authorised. Some people who take PrEP may experience adverse effects including nausea, but these often go away over time. These adverse effects are not severe or potentially fatal.
Prior to HIV exposure, PrEP is used. It is consumed each day. This is for those who are highly susceptible to infection but do not have HIV. It is suggested for people who:
- Have an HIV-positive partner during sex.
- Having sexual relations with a person whose HIV status is unclear.
- Are not in a committed, monogamous relationship with an HIV-negative partner.
- Had used shared needles or injected drugs over the last six months.
If taken daily, PrEP can significantly reduce infection risk in people who are at very high risk for contracting HIV.
Dr. Raina’s Safe Hands Clinic
Dr. Vinod Raina HIV Doctors in Badarpur
Contact Us-91-9136363692 | 9871605858
Address: — Saket E-34, Ekta Apartments near
Malviya Nagar Metro Station Gate No-4 New Delhi-110017
