All good. Nothing new to report. None of the gammy side effects that I was told to expect. I am happy, fine, and all is well.

Side effects? What side effects? Exactly! I am feeling chirpy and normal. What was all the fuss about? PEP Medication has had almost no side effects on me. I hope the same happens to you. As I have already said, Pre-2017, PEP medication side effects sounded brutal! Almost guaranteed diarrhea, nausea, and headaches on most days over the course of the 30 days you need to take the meds. In 2017, the two pill a day cocktail you now have to take, reportedly, has the same symptoms, but to a far lesser extent. I say reportedly because I write this now on day 15 of the medication. This blog constitutes my daily diary as I go through the 30 days of PEP treatment. I expect different people will have different reactions/ experience different side effects, so, to help you gauge how similar yours might be to mine, I will tell you about me. I’m 182cm tall, and white European (52% English, 46% Spanish, 2% Sicilian) according to recent DNA test results. I have no allergies, never had any STI/ STDs before, I’m fit and healthy, 29 years old, weigh 79kg, and am uncircumcised. Apparently having that bit of extra fleshy penis protection still attached equates to having a large mucosal surface membrane through which the HIV transfer could occur. Not that I would trade my foreskin for the world!

HIV PEP – two-drug PEP Regimen:

“The main arguments in favor of a two-drug PEP regimen have been improved tolerance and simplicity, which positively correlated with improved medical adherence and likelihood of completing the prescribed regimen,” Kenneth Mayer, MD, of Fenway Health and his colleagues wrote.

Taking PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis); emergency HIV treatment

Another day no HIV PEP symptoms. As usual, I am taking the PEP pills on time daily. But, nothing negative is happening. I honestly do not feel like I have taken any medication. I am not sluggish, lethargic, itchy, gassy… I am having none of the PEP side effects that were reported online under the old drug. This is brilliant!

HIV Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) or emergency HIV treatment as is also referred to as, is a drug given to people that have been exposed to HIV infection within 72 hours to prevent contraction of the infection. It stops the exposure to HIV from becoming a life-long infection.

Only a specific group of individuals can be given PEP by a doctor or healthcare provider and they include:

• People that have been exposed to HIV for not more than 72 hours
• People that are not yet living with HIV
• A person whose mucous membrane ( eyes, mouth, vagina, rectum) has had direct contact with another person’s which might be infectious
• The cause of exposure is already infected with HIV or the person does not know his/her HIV status

HIV PEP Side Effects

Every treatment has its side effects and HIV PEP is no different. Any person starting HIV PEP should be given the same information as a person starting HIV treatment as the possible side effects are similar. They may vary from one individual to another but the most common include:

1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Diarrhoea
4. Headaches
5. Fatigue

These side effects usually reduce after the first or second week. Most are usually mild but in the event that they become severe, other drugs may be given to reduce them or a different treatment may be recommended.

Key Things To Keep In Mind As You Take On HIV PEP Treatment

Stay Healthy

PEP drugs are known to be hard on the immune system. The HIV infection attacks the human body’s immune system. As you are on emergency treatment, you need to get enough sleep and eat right for your body to be able to fight the infection.

Strictly Stick to the Doctor’s Instructions

PEP treatment needs to be taken at the same time for a number of specific days at different times. Make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions. In the event that the side effects become severe, contact your doctor first before considering stopping the treatment. Remember, HIV PEP is only effective if taken as instructed.

Try to Avoid Missing a Dose

When the emergency treatment fails, it is mostly attributed to missed doses. In case you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Avoid waiting for the next planned dose in order for you to double up. These drugs are hard on the body and therefore, patients are advised to take the required dose at the required time.

The emergency treatment will need to be monitored when taken under the following circumstances:

During a Pregnancy

Specific PEP drugs can be used when the patient is pregnant while others cannot. Contact a doctor or a health practitioner for him/her to guide you on which drugs are most suitable for you.

During Breastfeeding

PEP can be taken during breastfeeding as it reduces the chances of mother to child transmission of the HIV infection. However, you may need the guidance of your doctor on the breastfeeding guidelines.

After Sexual Assault

Victims of sexual assault should seek medical attention as soon as they can in order to beat the 72-hour deadline. It is at this point that the victim will be given HIV PEP as well as treatment for any sexually transmitted diseases and emergency contraception to prevent unexpected pregnancies.

Lastly, you should get a HIV test at the 3rd and 6th month after potential exposure if you are on HIV PEP.