What is PEP? The process of using PEP drugs for prevention after HIV exposure

HIV prevention when having sex is always focused, but if in the case of sex without using a condom, is there any way to protect us from HIV infection?

Join lassho.edu.vn to learn about the current popular HIV prevention drug, PEP, as well as how to use it, its effects, and what to note when using PEP through the following article.

What is PEP?

PEP drug (short for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis), this is a form of preventive medicine after exposure or unprotected sex. infection and spread of viruses in the body, with increased resistance against external agents.

PEP drug will help patients prevent HIV virus from entering

To use PEP effectively, people with potential exposure should take it within 72 hours (3 days), preferably within 24 hours, as soon as possible to protect the body.

However, PEP should only be used in an emergency , if you have had unprotected sex many times or with people at risk of being exposed to HIV regularly (such as having unprotected sex with another person). HIV-positive) should go to a health facility, public health check-up to register for PREP drug use for pre-exposure prophylaxis.

Who should use PEP?

If you are in the following categories, go to medical facilities or community counseling centers as quickly as possible to have a doctor advise on the use of PEP.

People who have unprotected sex and suspect their partner has HIV should take PEP

• Those who have unprotected sex, suspect their partners are infected with HIV, especially those from the LGBT+ community.
• Sharing needles, razors, etc. or utensils with someone who has HIV.
• Sexually abused .

Instructions for the use of PEP

For those exposed to HIV by occupation

Those with occupational HIV exposure if negative will stop taking PEP

• Treat the wound with soap and clean water or use 0.9% NaCl solution depending on the case, absolutely do not squeeze the wound.
• Report to the person in charge at the office to make a record of occupational exposure, then assess the risk of exposure based on the level of damage, the area of contact to determine the HIV infection status of the source.
• After that , testing will be done to determine the HIV infection status of the exposed person , together with counseling for the exposed person on how to use and side effects when taking PEP drugs.
• Finally, prescribe a 28-day regimen for post-exposure prophylaxis.

For those exposed to HIV outside of an occupational setting

People exposed to HIV outside of an occupational setting will undergo a variety of diagnostic tests

• First, the doctor will assess the exposure, conduct an HIV test and other corresponding tests such as hepatitis B, C, kidney, ..
• If the test results are negative and other tests are normal, the patient will be given PEP on a 28-day regimen , stopping the drug when the next test is negative for HIV.
• Conversely, if the patient is positive, the patient will receive ARV drug regimen.

Side effects of using PEP

Most patients who take PEP will experience side effects

Most patients who take PEP will experience side effects, depending on the case, symptoms can be mild or severe such as:

• Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, rash, itchy rash, back acne, … if you have Stevens Johnson syndrome, stop taking the drug and go to the hospital immediately when there are ZDV, ABC, TDF, IDV components, SQV, LPV and RTV.
• Diarrhea, sleep disturbance, fatigue when components such as 3TC, ABC, EFV, NVP or LPV are present.
• Potential to increase liver enzymes , due to components Nevirapine (NVP) or Zidovudine (ZDV) contained in the drug.

Precautions while taking PEP

Precautions while taking PEP

According to Doctor Nguyen Thuong Hanh, information on Hellobacsi.com to use PEP effectively, patients need to note a few things:

• Avoid taking the medicine on an empty stomach or too full , so take the medicine 1-2 hours before eating.
• Limit eating foods with a lot of fat, fat, yogurt because it reduces the effect of the drug.
• Should drink a lot of water, drink orange juice, vitamins.

How much does PEP cost? Where to buy PEP drugs?

PEP drugs are now widely sold in medical facilities and hospitals

PEP drugs are now widely sold in health facilities, central hospitals, community counseling centers, clinics specializing in HIV treatment and prevention, or at large drugstores at a price of approx. 800,000 VND to 2,000,000 VND/box (depending on the manufacturer, this price is for those who self-treat, not following the protocol issued by the Ministry of Health)

However, currently, treatment for HIV exposure is free, so if you want to avoid fake or overpriced drugs, it’s best to register for a visit to a medical facility as mentioned above to inherit benefits. .

Above is the information related to PEP drugs and the notes, the process of using PEP drugs properly and rationally. I hope you find this article useful and interesting.

Source: Health website Hellobacsi

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