PEP Medication: 3 Tips On How To Use It Effectively

Posted by Carollyne Dewi on May 19th, 2021

For people who think that they might have been exposed to a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) during sex, they can use Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) medication to stop the infection after an exposure.

PEP is a 28-day course of anti-HIV medications that are taken daily to lower your risk of HIV infection after a potential exposure. The best way to start your PEP medication is to do so within 72 hours of exposure, but the sooner you start it, the more effective it is. To ensure that you can use PEP effectively, here are 3 tips you should follow.

1. Know when & when not to use it

Firstly, it is important to note that PEP is not recommended after every sexual activity. Common reasons for taking PEP to combat against HIV exposure are if you and a partner had shared syringes for substance injection, had anal sex without a condom, or a condom had broken during anal sex. PEP is effective in the scenarios mentioned above as you are at a higher risk of being exposed to HIV.

However, you should not use PEP after low-risk sexual activities that do not involve any contact with bodily fluids like blood, semen or vaginal fluid. You should also not use it after oral sex as it is much less risky than other sexual activities. If you are unsure of the risk, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional at an STD clinic in Singapore.

2. Continue to practise safe sex

It is important to note that PEP is not 100% effective against HIV infections, but they still make infection with HIV less likely when used correctly and consistently. They should also not be used as a substitute for other HIV prevention methods. Hence, you should look to practise safe sex with your partner at all times.

Some strategies to practise safe sex include negotiating safety agreements beforehand with your partner, ensuring that condoms are used, avoiding alcohol or drugs, and others. PEP should be used as an emergency measure, so it is recommended to continue practising safe sex. It is sensible to use condoms properly which can help prevent HIV as well as other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

3. Understand when PEP will work best

PEP is most effective when you begin taking medications a few hours after you are exposed to an HIV infection. However, if PEP is not started within 72 hours of the exposure, it may not fully work. By starting your PEP sooner, it will have a greater chance of working effectively.

It is also important to complete the full course of treatment by taking PEP medication every day for four weeks to prevent the virus from taking hold in your body. PEP medication can also cause side effects, such as nausea and diarrhoea, and may also interact with other medicines that you are currently taking. Discuss with your healthcare provider regarding these concerns.

Conclusion

If you think that you have been exposed to HIV, see a doctor as soon as you can for the PEP medication. You can visit for thorough HIV testing as well as for medical advice on receiving HIV PEP. Upon assessment, we will provide suitable HIV PEP drug medication that best fit your medical profile and your needs.

We also provide other essential healthcare services such as treatment for hair loss, minor surgery, and wart removal to help you achieve overall better health. Contact us at 6802 7208 to schedule an appointment today.