PEP

PEP Drug Protects HIV Shields Promptly After Risk Don’t wait too late!

HIV continues to be a major public health problem worldwide. In Thailand, more than 97% of new HIV cases come from unprotected sexual intercourse. One of the most effective ways to prevent this is to take PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis), which is taking antiretroviral drugs after being at risk of HIV infection.

Knowing and understanding PEP is crucial because it can help prevent HIV infection if treated promptly. so This article will introduce PEP what it is, who it is suitable for, and how to take it for maximum effectiveness.

What is PEP Pill?

PEP is an emergency antiretroviral drug used to prevent HIV infection in cases of risk, such as after unprotected sex or contact with the blood or secretions of an HIV-infected person.
PEP consists of 2-3 antiretroviral drugs that help inhibit the division of the HIV virus in the body.
What percentage of PEP is effective in preventing infection? It cannot be said as a percentage.

What is the difference between PEP and PrEP?

PEP and PrEP have the same purpose of preventing HIV infection, except that PEP is an emergency antiviral drug.

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a drug used to prevent HIV infection in people who are not infected. Taking PrEP correctly can reduce the risk of infection by almost 100%.

Taking PEP must be under the supervision of a doctor and should not be used as the main prevention of HIV infection.

People who have sex without condoms: Unprotected sex increases the risk of HIV infection.
Accidents during sex: e.g. torn condoms. This can cause contact with infection.
Victims of sexual abuse: including those who have been raped or unintentionally sexually assaulted. This is considered a high-risk event.
Sharing Syringes with Others: Sharing Syringes in Substance Abuse Groups It will increase the chance of HIV infection.
Medical personnel: Healthcare workers who may come into contact with blood or fluids from infected people, such as being struck by needles or injured by medical equipment, etc.

Who should not take PEP

PEP drugs are an exception. as follows

People who already have HIV: If a blood test confirms HIV before receiving PEP, they will not be able to take the drug, as taking the drug in this case may cause side effects or drug resistance.
People with allergies to medications used in PEP: If you have a history of allergies to medications that are included in PEP, such as certain antiviral drugs, you should avoid taking them and consult your doctor for alternatives.
People who cannot follow the instructions for taking the drug: PEP must be taken as scheduled every day for 28 days. If this is not possible, it may not be appropriate to take the medicine.

How to take PEP pills correctly

How to take PEP pills? Taking PEP pills to be effective in preventing infection requires preparation before taking them. How to behave during meals and recommendations after eating as follows

Preparation before taking PEP

Before starting PEP, users must undergo a blood test to confirm that they do not have HIV infection and general health checks, such as kidney function and hepatitis B infection. If the test result is not normal, you will not be able to take the medicine.

It is important to start taking PEP within 72 hours of risk. The higher the efficiency.

While taking PEP

PEP must be taken daily for 28 days, preferably 1 tablet per day. At the same time, you can take PEP before or after meals every day to maintain a stable blood level and visit your doctor by appointment to assess your health and potential side effects.

For safety, you should avoid having sex during this period. If it is unavoidable, condoms should be used strictly every time. In addition, abstaining from alcohol and all kinds of drugs will help strengthen health. It reduces the risk of infection and other diseases that may occur.

Recommendations after eating for 28 days

After 28 days of taking the drug, you should go back for another blood test to confirm that you are not infected with HIV and consult your doctor if any abnormal symptoms occur during or after taking PEP.

Advantages and disadvantages of PEP drugs

Pros: PEP is easily accessible, and people with risky behaviors, such as having sex without a condom, can quickly and conveniently access PEP.
Disadvantages: The disadvantages of PEP may be mild side effects (side effects that occur. Most of them disappear within a few days. After starting to take PEP as follows:
Nausea and vomiting usually occur in the first 3-5 days after starting the drug.
Headaches and dizziness are symptoms that can be seen in the early stages of taking medication, which can cause discomfort and affect daily life.
In the early stages, some people may feel unwell, such as getting tired easily, diarrhea, or loss of appetite, etc.

Where to get PEP and how much does it cost?

Where can I get PEP and how much does it cost? PEP can be obtained at health service units in both public and private hospitals across the country. Currently, there are 8 brands of PEP. as follows

In addition, you can also contact Z by Zeniq to get medicines from Z by Zeniq, which is available as a one-stop service. Risk assessment, counseling, and medication dispensing.

Do I have to take medication for oral sex and am I eligible for HIV infection?

Oral sex, despite its low risk of HIV infection, does not mean that it is 100% safe.

In addition, the risk is increased in the case of oral sores or bleeding, and it is even more risky for people with other risky behaviors, such as having sex with someone who is HIV infected without protection. Prevention and caution are therefore important not to neglect.

Do I still need to wear a condom after taking the medicine?

Although PEP is effective in reducing the risk of HIV infection, it is not guaranteed to be 100% preventive. This is because in addition to helping prevent HIV infection, it also helps prevent other sexually transmitted diseases that PEP cannot prevent.

Therefore, for maximum safety and to reduce the risk of further infection, it is essential to use a condom along with taking PEP every time you have sex.

summarize

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an antiviral drug used to prevent HIV infection after risk, unlike PrEP, which must be taken before risk. You must start eating within 72 hours and continue to eat for 28 days. However, PEP may have minor side effects such as nausea, fatigue, etc.

In addition, oral sex, although the risk is low, still has the potential to become infected. Especially if you have mouth ulcers, and most importantly, even if you are taking PEP, you should use a condom every time you have sex because the drug does not prevent 100% and cannot prevent other sexually transmitted diseases.