Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am 32 years old. I am on PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis) that has to be taken for 28 days. I got my first dose around 40 hours after contracting HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). PEP is not 100 % secure. My question is, if I am lucky and the result shows HIV negative after the therapy, how often do I need to get antibody tested if luck showers on me and each time the result says negative? And if PEP does not work properly and I test positive, how long can my lifespan be if I stay on medications?
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
The answers to your queries are: For PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) efficacy, adherence to the medications prescribed for PEP is the most important thing. PEP is really efficacious. To the best of my clinical practice, I have not seen any case of a patient who has completed PEP with complete adherence and then turned positive. There are recommendations to test at four weeks, three months, and then at six months after the last exposure. You need not be tested in between, and if negative, no further test is required.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I am taking my medicines with adherence. It is the third day of therapy and the fourth day after exposure to possible HIV. I am feeling some rashes on the body, chest, and itching. This morning, my tongue was completely white, with some white coating. Had to really brush up my tongue to get it cleaned, but still, some white patches are visible. Are these side effects of medicines or early signs of HIV? My blood reports as of now are fine and HIV negative. But what matters are the reports after six weeks, three months, and six months. I have no muscle pain or joint pain, but there is a little weakness. And nausea after taking the medicines persists for a few hours.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Before answering for the rash or itching which you mentioned, it is important for me to know the medicines which you are taking for PEP. If you can send me the picture of the rash, it will be of great help. This could be the early mild side effects of medicines. The white coating could be due to various reasons. Do you have a fever or any other bowel complaints, too? Weakness could be a side effect of drugs. Do also let me know your hemoglobin levels. Medicines can cause minimal nausea. It is recommended to take these with light meals and short, frequent meals during the day and not to take these on an empty stomach.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
To start with, no fever or bowels. I am getting Isentress 400 mg 1-0-1 per day and Truvada 1-0-0 per day. I think I had the medicine on an empty stomach, and that caused nausea, maybe. Rashes are minimal at the moment. Still sending you the photo.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I have reviewed the images (attachment removed to protect patient identity). You are getting the most appropriate treatment and need not worry. Local coconut oil application does help in minimizing rash. Continue with your medicines and get your HIV test as advised. Please do not hesitate to ask or call anytime for any further queries.
Thank you.
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Answered byDr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
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