1. What is PEP?
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PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. It’s like Plan B or the HIV morning after pill.
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PEP is for HIV-negative people who may have been exposed to HIV by a needle stick or unprotected sex. PEP may stop HIV exposure from becoming an HIV infection.
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People on PEP take HIV medications for 30 days.
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PEP works best if started within 2-3 hours, but it must be started within 72 hours after exposure.
2. What is involved in getting PEP?
*Call right away if you have symptoms of viral illness such as fever, swollen glands, or rash. These could be symptoms of early HIV which requires special testing to identify.
3. How do I take PEP medications?
You have been prescribed two pills for PEP which should be taken together daily for 30 days:
Make sure to take BOTH medications daily.
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Link taking your medication with something you already do every day (like brushing teeth, or eating breakfast)
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Set a daily reminder on your phone to take your medication (use a fun alarm tone or song)
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Bring PEP with you if you spend the night out or are traveling.
If you forget to take a dose:
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Take the medications as soon as you remember. It’s more important to take the medications daily than to take them at exactly the same time each day
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Don’t take a double dose the same day
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If you have ongoing trouble taking your medications daily call our Patient Care Navigators for support (206-514-2478, 206-348-8763)
4. Will I be able to afford PEP?
YES! HealthPoint will help you through this process.
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Many health insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover PEP in full or in part.
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If you don’t have insurance, or if your copay is a barrier, call our Patient Care Navigators (206-514-2478, or 206-348-8763) for help with patient assistance.
5. What are the side effects of PEP
Most people experience either no side effects, or mild side effects such as nausea, upset stomach, fatigue or headaches. These symptoms typically improve over the first 1-2 weeks of taking PEP.
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For nausea, consider taking PEP with food or at bedtime to make nausea less noticeable. Try ginger chews or peppermint tea.
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To relieve headache, stay hydrated and use acetaminophen (Tylenol)
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If side effects persist or are severe, call and let us know. There are medications that can help with severe nausea or diarrhea. Or you may need further evaluation for other causes of your symptoms.
6. After PEP consider PrEP and other ways to prevent HIV
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Emergency PEP (POST-exposure prophylaxis) protects you after an exposure to HIV. It can be repeated, but if you may be exposed to HIV in the future, PrEP (PRE-Exposure Prophylaxis) may be right for you.
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PrEP is a safe daily pill that greatly reduces your risk of HIV if taken daily before exposure.. Be sure to discuss PrEP at your 4-6 week follow up.
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Use condoms (external or internal) as often as possible, ideally every time you have sex and even if you are taking PEP or PrEP. Condoms prevent other STIs like syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
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Use silicone or water-based lubricant, especially during anal sex.
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Get tested for HIV, and encourage your partners to test. Ask, “when was the last time you tested for HIV?”
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Support partners living with HIV. Encourage them to get HIV care, and take their HIV medications daily so they stay healthy and avoid passing HIV on to you or others.
7. What if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding