HIV Prevention: Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

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Questions and Answers

What is the maximum time frame to start PEP after a possible exposure to HIV?

  • 48 hours
  • 24 hours
  • 72 hours (correct)
  • 12 hours

In which of the following situations might PEP be appropriate?

  • Having regular sexual relations with an HIV-positive partner
  • Experiencing a condom failure with a partner of unknown HIV status (correct)
  • Sharing food with someone who is HIV-positive
  • Taking PrEP medication regularly

How long is the typical duration for taking PEP medication?

  • 14 days
  • 28 days (correct)
  • 7 days
  • 21 days

What characteristic is true about PEP's effectiveness?

<p>PEP is less effective when started later. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should a person do if they suspect they might need PEP?

<p>Contact a healthcare provider immediately. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common method of HIV exposure that PEP can address?

<p>Traveling to a country with high HIV rates (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to continue using additional HIV prevention methods while on PEP?

<p>PEP does not provide complete protection against HIV. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who can prescribe PEP in certain states?

<p>Pharmacists in select states (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is doxy-PEP primarily used for?

<p>Preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group showed a two-thirds reduction in STIs due to doxy-PEP?

<p>Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might PEP medications cause in some individuals?

<p>Nausea (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Can PEP be taken every time there is a potential exposure to HIV?

<p>No, it should only be used in emergencies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor can affect the use of PEP medications?

<p>Other medications being taken (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Is doxy-PEP effective in preventing HIV?

<p>No, it does not prevent HIV (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which program might help individuals without insurance to get access to PEP?

<p>Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical step for someone taking PEP who experiences side effects?

<p>Consult with a health care provider (C)</p> 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?

<p>Workers’ compensation or workplace health insurance (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an important recommendation for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals considering PEP?

<p>Consult a health care provider for guidance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is PEP?

A short course of HIV medicines taken within 72 hours of possible HIV exposure to prevent infection.

When is PEP used?

PEP should be used in emergency situations only, not for regular use by people frequently exposed to HIV.

Who needs PEP?

PEP may be appropriate if you are HIV-negative or unsure of your status and believe you were exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours.

What are some situations requiring PEP?

Possible scenarios for PEP include condom breakage with a partner of unknown HIV status, shared needles, sexual assault or accidental exposure in the workplace.

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How do I access PEP?

Contact a healthcare provider, an urgent care clinic, or an emergency room immediately after a potential HIV exposure.

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How long is PEP taken?

PEP involves taking HIV medicines daily for 28 days. Adherence to the prescribed regimen is crucial for its effectiveness.

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How effective is PEP?

PEP is effective in preventing HIV infection when used correctly but is not 100% guaranteed.

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What other HIV prevention methods should be used?

While on PEP, continue using safer sex practices like condoms and sterile needles to minimize future HIV exposure risk.

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What is doxy-PEP?

Doxy-PEP is a form of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) that involves taking the antibiotic doxycycline within 72 hours of condomless sex to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

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How effective is doxy-PEP?

Doxy-PEP is effective in reducing STIs by about two-thirds when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. This has been seen in studies involving men who have sex with men and transgender women, including those with HIV.

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Does doxy-PEP prevent HIV?

While doxy-PEP is effective for STIs, it doesn't protect against HIV. It's important to be aware of this limitation.

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What are potential side effects of PEP?

PEP can cause side effects like nausea. However, these are generally manageable and not life-threatening.

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Why is it important to tell your provider about all medications you're taking?

It's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all other medications you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs, street drugs, and alcohol, as PEP can interact with them.

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Is PEP safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

PEP is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Consult with a healthcare provider about PEP and the best regimen for your situation.

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Can PEP be used every time a person has potential exposure to HIV?

PEP is for emergency use only. It's not a substitute for regular HIV prevention methods like condoms or PrEP.

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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.

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