Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Are The Side Effects Of PEP?
Question: Hello,
I had sex with a commercial sex worker on 6th April 2016 at 11:45 PM. She gave me a blow job with condom on my penis. I was drunk on that day so I didn't change the condom. I penetrated her in the same condom in which she had given me the blow job. I am scared whether the condom had broken inside and I cannot confirm whether the condom was intact or not since I had drunk. Due to anxiety I started PEP after 40 hours with Zamivudine 300mg + Zamivudine 150 mg twice a day. I need to know the following:
1. What are the side effects of PEP?
2. Is RNA PCR test conclusive after 7 days?
3. What are the tests needed to be done?
I am already regretting my mistake and will not indulge in such activities again
Your help will be highly appreciated
I had sex with a commercial sex worker on 6th April 2016 at 11:45 PM. She gave me a blow job with condom on my penis. I was drunk on that day so I didn't change the condom. I penetrated her in the same condom in which she had given me the blow job. I am scared whether the condom had broken inside and I cannot confirm whether the condom was intact or not since I had drunk. Due to anxiety I started PEP after 40 hours with Zamivudine 300mg + Zamivudine 150 mg twice a day. I need to know the following:
1. What are the side effects of PEP?
2. Is RNA PCR test conclusive after 7 days?
3. What are the tests needed to be done?
I am already regretting my mistake and will not indulge in such activities again
Your help will be highly appreciated
Brief Answer:
PEP has usual side effects like nausea, vomiting, headche etc.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome to HCM.
You had protected sex with CSW and also started PEP within 40hrs then the risk of getting HIV is not there. The side effects of PEP are same as other drugs like nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea etc
RNA PCR is reliable at 7 days but not conclusive. You need to go for repeat testing after 3 months to get 100% reliable and conclusive result as per the routine guidelines in case of possible exposure.
You can go for RNA PCR or 4th generation Duos at one month to get some what more reliable result and it will give you mental satisfaction also.
I appreciate that you have realized your mistake and decided not to indulge in such unsafe practice to prevent future risk of HIV and other STDs.
Don't get anxious or worried and move ahead with testing as the risk is very unlikely in your case. For any further query get back to me again any time.
Thank You
PEP has usual side effects like nausea, vomiting, headche etc.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome to HCM.
You had protected sex with CSW and also started PEP within 40hrs then the risk of getting HIV is not there. The side effects of PEP are same as other drugs like nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea etc
RNA PCR is reliable at 7 days but not conclusive. You need to go for repeat testing after 3 months to get 100% reliable and conclusive result as per the routine guidelines in case of possible exposure.
You can go for RNA PCR or 4th generation Duos at one month to get some what more reliable result and it will give you mental satisfaction also.
I appreciate that you have realized your mistake and decided not to indulge in such unsafe practice to prevent future risk of HIV and other STDs.
Don't get anxious or worried and move ahead with testing as the risk is very unlikely in your case. For any further query get back to me again any time.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Deepak
Thank you so much Dr. XXXXXXX
I am taking Zidovir (Zidovudine 300mg) and Lamivir (Lamivudine 150 mg) from Cipla twice daily. I'm facing the following side effects:
1. Stomach pain
2. Pain and inflammation in eyes
3. Digestive problems, I'm going to toilet once in 3 days.
4. Lower back pain
5. Light headedness. It is getting difficult to focus on work.
6. Muscle cramps
7. Severe vomiting sensation
Please suggest me a remedy to handle these side effects.
Can I get RNA PCR TEST done after 15 days and stop the PEP or shall I continue taking PEP for 30 days and then get a 4th generation HIV 1&2 test??
Do you have any better suggestions to take Zidovudine and Lamivudine from different manufacturers??
I have some other options of these drugs:
1. Zidolam from Genex pharma
2. Combivir from Glaxo XXXXXXX
I'm going to gym everyday, but due to the muscle cramps I'm not able to push to the maximum, please suggest me on this as well.
Should I take PEP before food or after food??
Eagerly looking forward hearing from you
Thanks in advance
I am taking Zidovir (Zidovudine 300mg) and Lamivir (Lamivudine 150 mg) from Cipla twice daily. I'm facing the following side effects:
1. Stomach pain
2. Pain and inflammation in eyes
3. Digestive problems, I'm going to toilet once in 3 days.
4. Lower back pain
5. Light headedness. It is getting difficult to focus on work.
6. Muscle cramps
7. Severe vomiting sensation
Please suggest me a remedy to handle these side effects.
Can I get RNA PCR TEST done after 15 days and stop the PEP or shall I continue taking PEP for 30 days and then get a 4th generation HIV 1&2 test??
Do you have any better suggestions to take Zidovudine and Lamivudine from different manufacturers??
I have some other options of these drugs:
1. Zidolam from Genex pharma
2. Combivir from Glaxo XXXXXXX
I'm going to gym everyday, but due to the muscle cramps I'm not able to push to the maximum, please suggest me on this as well.
Should I take PEP before food or after food??
Eagerly looking forward hearing from you
Thanks in advance
Brief Answer:
Take PEP after meals.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome back and thanks for follow-up.
The side effects you have are very common with PEP and they will be there with other drugs also so better to continue the same medicines.
You can go for RNA PCR for your satisfaction but if started PEP then I will suggest to complete it up to 28 days and then go for 4th generation Duos test.
For vomiting sensations and digestive problems as you said take these medicines after meal with milk so that it will not bother you. Be relaxed, don't get anxious and complete the PEP as per advice.
Thank You
Take PEP after meals.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome back and thanks for follow-up.
The side effects you have are very common with PEP and they will be there with other drugs also so better to continue the same medicines.
You can go for RNA PCR for your satisfaction but if started PEP then I will suggest to complete it up to 28 days and then go for 4th generation Duos test.
For vomiting sensations and digestive problems as you said take these medicines after meal with milk so that it will not bother you. Be relaxed, don't get anxious and complete the PEP as per advice.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Thank you again Dr. XXXXXXX
I didn't consult any doctor for the PEP. I did some research and decided to take Zamivudine 300 mg and Lamivudine 150 mg twice daily.
The biggest side effect I'm facing right now is burning and pain in my eyes. Please suggest me a medication for that.
This will help me to finish the 28 days PEP and will get my blood work done.
And also does PEP reduces the red blood and white blood cell count??
Looking forward hearing from you
I didn't consult any doctor for the PEP. I did some research and decided to take Zamivudine 300 mg and Lamivudine 150 mg twice daily.
The biggest side effect I'm facing right now is burning and pain in my eyes. Please suggest me a medication for that.
This will help me to finish the 28 days PEP and will get my blood work done.
And also does PEP reduces the red blood and white blood cell count??
Looking forward hearing from you
Brief Answer:
Consult Eye specialist if the problem is severe.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
For burning and pain in eyes you can use gafiflox or ciplox eye drops. If the problem still persists go to consult Eye specialist for further management.
Low RBC and WBC count with low haemoglobin is serious side effect of Zidovudine and If Hb level is below 9gms you have to stop it so go for CBC test to decide whether to continue Zidovudine or not.
Thank You
Consult Eye specialist if the problem is severe.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
For burning and pain in eyes you can use gafiflox or ciplox eye drops. If the problem still persists go to consult Eye specialist for further management.
Low RBC and WBC count with low haemoglobin is serious side effect of Zidovudine and If Hb level is below 9gms you have to stop it so go for CBC test to decide whether to continue Zidovudine or not.
Thank You
Note: Get personalized answers to your HIV related queries You can choose to talk face to face with your doctor. Book a Video Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
