5 Tips For Effective Use Of HIV PEP

Do you think your life might be at risk of HIV? Then, you better rush for PEP. Perhaps you just had a steamy night were not sure of your partner and now you’re thinking there’s a possibility of getting exposed to HIV. The best thing to do is to look for PEP. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a four-week course of anti-HIV treatment with a daily pill to lessen the potential of contracting HIV after exposure. You need to get started on PEP within 72 hours of exposure though sooner is better. Given are 5 tips for effective use of HIV PEP. 

 



Know when you need a PEP

Make sure to consider getting PEP for HIV prevention as soon as possible if you face any of the following circumstances:

• A condom broke during sex
• Accidental ejaculation
• Shared syringes for substance injection
• Cuts which leads to exposure to blood

In case any of those scenarios happen, never hesitate to visit a reputable clinic as soon as possible to get PEP for HIV. It will help mitigate against exposure to HIV.

Know when not to use a PEP

There are some circumstances where PEP is not recommended including after oral sex plus other activities where the risk is lower. When not sure of the risks involved, consider talking to a health professional to set the record straight. It might not necessarily be a risk of HIV.  There are chances of picking up other sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, it’s extremely important for all sexually active individuals to test often or more if you have more than one partner. 

Make the best effort for PEP to work

For more effectiveness, HIV PEP should be started a few hours after exposure. Going beyond 72 hours affects the effectiveness of the therapy. therefore, the sooner you begin on PEP after exposure, the higher the chances of PEP working effectively. Furthermore, make sure to finish the dose to give yourself better odds against infection. You must take your pill daily for a month and keep consulting your doctor. 

Understand all potential side effects

Just like antiretroviral drugs, PEP comes with some side effects. These might include:

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Nausea 

The good thing is that these side effects are mild and usually last for a few days. The trick is to talk with your doctor if you face any concerns

Have a future plan

Just because there’s PEP doesn’t mean that you should put your life in risky situations. You have to make effort to stay safe at all times. There are some ideas which can help you stay safe. They include:
 

• Using condoms
• Sticking to one partner
• Regular testing for HIV

Bottom line

When you think your health has been exposed to HIV, never hesitate to visit a reputable clinic to get PEP. Here, you will get the best service and care, furthermore, at the clinic; you will be tested for HIV and other STDs.

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