What is PEP?

What is PEP? 

PEP stands for POST EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS that is indicated for HIV infected persons,started within 72 hours of possible exposure to prevent from becoming HIV positive.

What are indications of PEP? When to start PEP treatment?

After the exposure to HIV infection, PEP treatment should be started by consulting HIV specialist, within the 72 hours of exposure.

What is the success rate of PEP treatment? 

Theoretically it is 98% but practically if started as soon as possible within 72 hours of possible exposure, the results are 100% practically.

How effective is PEP treatment? 

PEP treatment prevents a person who gets exposed to possible HIV infection and prevents his/her life from deadly HIV. Following the complete protocols with medication, the results are always HIV negative when you go for HIV testing after the completion of PEP therapy (after 28-30 days course).

Is PEP safe?

Yes, PEP is safe for both men and women but some persons may get minimal side effects that subside at their own in two to three days. It is the 100% effective at preventing HIV.

Does PEP treatment have any side effects?

Drugs/ medicines in PEP treatment are safe but in some people may cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and headache for two to three days and then the body adapts the changes to fight the HIV infection. These side effects can be treated if persist for more than two to three days and are not life threatening.

What is post PEP TESTING? 

Post PEP treatment testing after one month (4 weeks) will detect 95% of infections. Testing after three months will detect 99.9% of infections. These tests are considered confirmation tests of being NEGATIVE after PEP treatment started within 72 hours of possible exposure.

What are the guidelines of PEP treatment? 

Guidelines include- PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH: This approach seeks to ensure the possible access to high quality services for a balance between best proven standard of care and feasibility.

PROMOTE HUMAN RIGHTS: A balance between protecting population health and protection of human rights.

What is the PEP regimen? 

PEP is a system of medicines which consists of minimum four drugs. It contains level 1, level 2, level 3 drugs eg; if a patient had sexual intercourse with a person who is suffering from HIV and he/she is having drug resistance then the normal drugs for PEP will not work. In such cases we have to use those drugs which can treat the patient and prevents from becoming HIV positive.

What are the PEP therapy instructions? 

PEP (post exposure prophylaxis) is a therapy that includes taking antiretroviral medication after the possible/ potential exposure to HIV within 72 hours of possible exposure to prevent from becoming infected by consulting an HIV specialist. It is an emergency treatment that is started within 72 hours only. After 72 hours, this treatment is not indicated. In such cases the protocols are different.

Does PEP therapy works if started after 72 hours of HIV exposure?

No, PEP therapy has little or no effect in preventing HIV infection if started after 72 hours of possible exposure. PEP therapy is started within 72 hours of possible exposure only and not after 72 hours.

What is the PEP dosage?

PEP dosages are different for children below 10 years of age, adults, and older people. An age appropriate regimen is prescribed and that is not same for every individual.