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Is PEP An Effective Treatment To Prevent HIV Infection?

Posted on Fri, 16 Dec 2016

Question: Hi Doc

A month and a week ago I had an exposure to HIV through an insertive vaginal intercourse condom break (We immediately went for tests afterwards and the girl turned out to be positive). I was put on Post Exposure Prophylaxis after 5hrs, and completed the course (Atripla pills).

In the last week of my pill course I developed a rash that is on my chin and above my top lip. The rash is characterized as being completely flat (in fact it just looks like my normal skin but at a notably darker color). I also have one swollen lymph node on the left side of my neck. I'm worried that this is a sign of PEP failure, thus HIV infection. I must add that before my lymph node went up, I had an ear infection on the same side. I have attached an image of my chin rash. I dont know if its an ARS rash or a reaction to the medication I took for PEP.

I kindly require some expert assistance on this.

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You are completely safe.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Welcome to HCM.

You have taken PEP within 5 hours of the exposure then you need not worry about HIV as PEP is 100% effective and as such also the risk of getting HIV through single unsafe exposure is very unlikely.

The rash on the chin may be due to some allergy or other skin reaction not related to HIV or ARS as per looking into the attached image so no need to get anxious or tensed. To allay the fear you can go for HIV testing after completion of PEP.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (56 minutes later)

Thanks doctor, your kind words have helped to ease my mind a bit. I had an ear infection during the week, and today i discovered a swollen lymph node on the one side of my neck. Could this be due to ARS(hiv) or the ear infection?

When should I test after PEP for a conclusive result?

Kind Regards

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
This is due to ear infection not HIV.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Welcome back and thanks for follow-up.

Swollen lymph node on the side of the neck can be due to ear infection not HIV and you can go for HIV testing after completion of PEP to get conclusive result so don't get worried and move ahead in life.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (12 minutes later)

Thanks doctor

I've read online on many sources that PEP can delay your seroconversion and window period, and that I can only get a conclusive result 3 - 6 months after my last dosage of PEP. Is this true?

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is not true.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Welcome back once again.

PEP will not delay your seroconversion and the test result after one month is highly accurate as well as reliable so be relaxed, forget about the episode and move ahead. For any query feel free to ask me any time and I am always here to help you out.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (32 minutes later)

Thank You doctor

I appreciate your kind words. I will keep you informed on how things work out for me. Please pray for me. Hopefully I will come out of this okay. This is a time of high anxiety and fear for me.

Kind Regards

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I am always with you.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

No need to get anxious or feared as the risk in your case is very unlikely and HIV test result will also be in your favor after one month so calm down, forget the past and move on. My best wishes are always with you so feel free to contact me for any help.

Thank You

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee