Doctors for Post Exposure Prophylaxis for Hiv

Post-exposure prophylaxis (or PEP) is a way to prevent HIV infection after a possible recent exposure. It involves taking HIV medications as soon as possible (within 3 days) after a single high-risk event to stop HIV from making copies of itself and spreading throughout the body. PEP should be used only in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after a recent possible exposure to HIV. If you think you've recently been exposed to HIV during sex or through sharing needles to prepare drugs or if you've been sexually assaulted, talk to your health care provider or an emergency room doctor about HIV exposure treatment right away. Every hour counts. If you're prescribed PEP, you'll need to take it once or twice daily for 28 days. PEP is effective in preventing HIV when administered correctly, but not 100%. PEP involves taking 3 or more ARV medicines each day for 28 days. You will need to return to your health care provider at certain times while taking HIV prophylaxis medications and after you finish taking PEP for HIV testing and other tests. Follow-up appointments should begin within 72 hours of HIV exposure and should include follow-up HIV testing, monitoring for drug toxicity, and counseling. Repeat HIV testing should be obtained at 6 weeks and 4 months HIV post exposure prophylaxis. Testing should also be performed using the fourth-generation assay or HIV viral load if the injured healthcare worker has symptoms of the acute retroviral syndrome