Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the maximum time frame to start PEP after a possible exposure to HIV?
What is the maximum time frame to start PEP after a possible exposure to HIV?
In which of the following situations might PEP be appropriate?
In which of the following situations might PEP be appropriate?
How long is the typical duration for taking PEP medication?
How long is the typical duration for taking PEP medication?
What characteristic is true about PEP's effectiveness?
What characteristic is true about PEP's effectiveness?
Signup and view all the answers
What should a person do if they suspect they might need PEP?
What should a person do if they suspect they might need PEP?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a common method of HIV exposure that PEP can address?
Which of the following is NOT a common method of HIV exposure that PEP can address?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is it important to continue using additional HIV prevention methods while on PEP?
Why is it important to continue using additional HIV prevention methods while on PEP?
Signup and view all the answers
Who can prescribe PEP in certain states?
Who can prescribe PEP in certain states?
Signup and view all the answers
What is doxy-PEP primarily used for?
What is doxy-PEP primarily used for?
Signup and view all the answers
Which group showed a two-thirds reduction in STIs due to doxy-PEP?
Which group showed a two-thirds reduction in STIs due to doxy-PEP?
Signup and view all the answers
What might PEP medications cause in some individuals?
What might PEP medications cause in some individuals?
Signup and view all the answers
Can PEP be taken every time there is a potential exposure to HIV?
Can PEP be taken every time there is a potential exposure to HIV?
Signup and view all the answers
What factor can affect the use of PEP medications?
What factor can affect the use of PEP medications?
Signup and view all the answers
Is doxy-PEP effective in preventing HIV?
Is doxy-PEP effective in preventing HIV?
Signup and view all the answers
Which program might help individuals without insurance to get access to PEP?
Which program might help individuals without insurance to get access to PEP?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a critical step for someone taking PEP who experiences side effects?
What is a critical step for someone taking PEP who experiences side effects?
Signup and view all the answers
If a health care worker is exposed to HIV on the job, who typically covers the cost of PEP?
If a health care worker is exposed to HIV on the job, who typically covers the cost of PEP?
Signup and view all the answers
What is an important recommendation for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals considering PEP?
What is an important recommendation for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals considering PEP?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
- PEP is a short course of HIV medicines taken soon after a possible HIV exposure to prevent infection.
- It must be started within 72 hours (3 days) of potential exposure.
- PEP is for emergency situations only, not for frequent exposures.
When is PEP Needed?
- If HIV-negative or unknown status, and possible exposure to HIV within 72 hours.
- Potential exposures include:
- Unprotected sex with unknown HIV status or virally unsuppressed partner.
- Shared needles/syringes/drug equipment.
- Sexual assault.
- Workplace needle-stick injury (extremely rare).
Obtaining PEP
- Contact healthcare provider, emergency room, or urgent care clinic immediately.
- Evaluation by a healthcare professional to determine if PEP is appropriate, and which medications to use.
- Many states allow pharmacists to prescribe PEP.
PEP Duration
- PEP involves daily medication for 28 days.
- Regular follow-up appointments for HIV testing are required during and after the 28 days (4-6 weeks, 3 months).
PEP Effectiveness and Precautions
- Effective when taken correctly, but not 100% effective.
- Earlier initiation is more effective.
- Use other preventative measures like condoms and clean needles during the PEP period.
Doxy-PEP (STI PEP)
- Doxycycline (an antibiotic) taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex can reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by about two thirds in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women.
- This method does not prevent HIV.
- Possible increased antibacterial resistance.
PEP Side Effects
- Possible side effects (e.g., nausea), but often treatable and not life-threatening.
- Inform your health care provider of any side effects, or additional medications taken (including over-the-counter drugs).
- Drug interactions are possible.
PEP and Pregnancy/Breastfeeding
- Safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Consult healthcare provider for appropriate regimen.
PEP Frequency
- PEP is for emergency situations only.
- Not intended for routine use.
- Consider PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for frequent exposure.
PEP Costs and Assistance
- Many health insurance plans cover PEP (including Medicaid).
- Financial assistance programs available through:
- Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) for uninsured or underinsured individuals.
- Co-pay Assistance Programs (CAPs) for individuals with insurance.
- Partial/full reimbursement for sexual assault victims from the Office for Victims of Crime.
- Workplace insurance/workers' compensation may cover PEP for healthcare workers injured at work.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz covers the key concepts of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV prevention. Learn when PEP is needed, how to obtain it, and the importance of timely intervention after potential exposures. Understand the procedures and medications involved in this emergency treatment.
