PEP Talk: Emergency medication after HIV exposure

We briefly touched on PEP during Episode 8 of #MTVShugaNaija. Adebola Aduwo is here to teach us more about this emergency medication.

In Episode 8 of #MTVShugaNaija we had to deal with the trauma of watching Faa recover and deal from her sexual assault. Bada refused to take no for an answer (in Episode 7) and as soon as Khalil discovered that Faa had been raped, he took her to a local hospital where she could have a rape kit done.

While at the hospital, the nurse recommended that Faa take a medication known as PeP, which would prevent her from contracting HIV. We’ve discussed this preventative medication on MTV Shuga before but today we are ready to delve into detail. Let’s have a short QnA, shall we?

WHAT IS PEP?

PEP is a short-term antiretroviral medication used after possible exposure to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) to prevent one from getting infected with the virus. In simpler terms, it is an emergency HIV treatment. Generally, PEP stops the replication of the virus before it matures to become a full-blown infection in the human body.

As well as this, the nurse gave Faa a medication known as PeP (post-exposure prophylaxis). You take this after being potentially exposed to HIV in order to prevent infection. #MTVShugaNaija

— MTV Shuga (@MTVShuga) April 24, 2018

Why PEP?

Following the emergence of the HIV Virus, a medical intervention was birthed. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, popularly referred to as PEP, is a revolutionary medicine. Sadly, it is still underutilized because quite a large number of people are unaware of its existence.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF PEP?

There are two kinds of PEP – Occupational Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (oPEP) and Non-occupational Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (nPEP). Occupational PEP is used by health care workers who are at a high risk of exposure to HIV. For instance, a doctor who has pricked themselves with a used syringe or a laboratory attendant who has come in contact with a patient’s blood/body fluid sample. In these cases, both individuals would need to take emergency measures to prevent infection. Non-occupational PEP, on the other hand, focuses on preventing HIV transmission after sexual activity (which may be consensual or forced) or unsafe injection drug use.

WHEN SHOULD PEP BE ADMINISTERED?

Post-exposure prophylaxis produces the best results when used within a maximum of 72 hours after possible exposure to HIV. The treatment is then used every day for 28 days after prescription.

DO I NEED PEP?

The need for PEP is determined by your healthcare provider. If you are HIV negative but have experienced any of the following incidents in the last 72-hours, we would recommend you seek your nearest clinician or doctor to determine if you would need a PEP Prescription:

• Sexual assault
• Unprotected sex with a partner of unknown status
• Unsafe injection drug use
• Needle injuries
• Contact with blood/body fluid samples

WHERE CAN I GET PEP?

PEP can be obtained from many recognized sexual health clinics. While certain clinics/hospitals may not have the medication in stock, it is vital that you consult your healthcare provider for proper counseling and treatment. Do not, under any circumstances, take it upon yourself to self-medicate.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS OF PEP?

Yes, there are a few. A patient using PEP may experience diarrhea, mild headaches, skin rashes, fatigue, nausea and/ or vomiting. These side effects are not life-threatening and can be treated over time.

Note that PEP is an emergency medicine and cannot be used to cure HIV. PEP cannot (and should not) be used as an ant-retroviral medication.

As well as this, using PEP is not a substitute for safe sex practices. Even with the medication available, you need to use protection at all times. If you are at constant risk of exposure to HIV (For instance, a case where you are in a relationship with an HIV positive partner), please consider Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and consult your healthcare provider for more information.

Do you have any information to share about this topic? We’d love to hear it! Join the discussion below.