Does Pep Work To Prevent Hiv Infection

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Get the Facts

Treatment After Exposure to HIV

For serious exposures, the U.S. Public Health Service recommends using a combination of three approved ARVs for four weeks. For less serious exposure, the guidelines recommend four weeks of treatment with two drugs: zidovudine (Retrovir, AZT) and lamivudine (Epivir, 3TC). In January 2001, the Centers for Disease Control warned against using nevirapine (Viramune) for PEP because of the risk of liver damage. See Fact Sheet 431 for more...

Ask the Experts

Hiv prevention (PEP) (TREATMENT AFTER EXPOSURE)

Dear Rob,I recently had sex with a man i do not know, without my knowledge he removed the condom. I went to the Er and was prescribed Viread and combavir, will this lower my chances of contracting Hiv?...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hello,Yes, PEP, if appropriately prescribed and taken, can decrease the chance of infection following an HIV exposure. PEP is most effective when started as soon as possible (and no later than 72 hours) after an exposure. I'll reprint some... Read more »

PEP didn't work. 6 mths later now what?

In September of 2000 I had receptive anal intercourse. After the act, I learned that the man intentionally mutilated the condom and exposed me to HIV. I started PEP on 9/12/2000, within 48 hours of the exposure. I was first put on Combivir and...

Response from Cal Cohen, M.D., M.S.

Harvard Medical School

Well, sorry to hear that you were not clear about what PEP can do, and the follow up needed.First - while Post Exposure Prophylaxis or PEP is widely done, it is still not clear how well or how often it works to actually prevent infection. But it is... Read more »

how do I know PEP is working?

Dear Dr. I had a penetrative anal intercourse with a male prostitute, I was wearing a condom but the chances it came off are 50%, as I was too drunk to keep it well, so there is that 50% chance it came off.Over the next day I develop sweats and also...

Response from Joseph McGowan, M.D., F.A.C.P.

North Shore University Hospital

If someone contracts HIV after an exposure to the virus, the symptoms of acute HIV typically occur typically two to three weeks after exposure. So the symptoms, if related to acute HIV, that you describe a day or two after your possible exposure... Read more »

EMERGENCY ROOM DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT PEP! (NEW YORK STATES PEP TOOL) (TOOL TO OFFER FAST HELP FOR HIV EXPOSURE, 2009)

Dr. Bob,I live in New York (the state not the city). I had a significant HIV exposure and went to an ER. The doc and staff never heard of PEP. What's up with that?Zorro...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hello,We've heard many similar stories from across the country. New York State is doing its part to remedy this unconscionable situation (see below). I'm hopeful all other states won't be far behind.Dr. BobTool to Offer Fast Help for... Read more »

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Connect With Others

Bush ignores HIV prevention methods that work

Posted by bradford, 2 Replies

U.S. President George Bush ignores HIV prevention methods that work!
Who is informing the president on HIV and AIDS?

Failure of the American president to recognize the need to promote condoms has not only undermined over two decades of HIV prevention... Read more »

Preventing the increasing rate of HIV infections

Posted by PeaceandLove, 3 Replies

So Ive been thinking about this for awhile and wanted to post this but wasnt sure if I should, but after reading an article today that I noticed on CNN, I thought it was a sign that I should post it. The article was basically about how HIV... Read more »

Help ... HIV or PEP Rash?

Posted by GDog, 2 Replies

About 4 weeks ago I stopped a PEP regimen consisting of Nelfinavir, 3TC and 4DT after 11 days.

I stopped due to a bad rash that developed all over my body (it was hot, red and kinda scaly on my legs, arms, neck, back and some on my chest).

I started... Read more »

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) - Help

Posted by MF2010

Hi all,

I've been exposed to HIV in the beginning of this month.
My condom completely broke and i had sex for a couple of minutes completely exposed. I suspect my partner was HIV infected.

Went straight to the hospital and started Post-Exposure... Read more »

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