[Question #9081] 2nd Exposure On PEP

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36 months ago
Hi Docs,

I visited a massage place in Bangkok, while I was on PEP at 25th day(28-day course from a very very low risk event, after knowing her negative status comfirmed by a local hospital)

She gave me handjob that I was given an advice from you it is virtually safe. But the problem is -- there was a time I did not see my penis when her body was on mine I did not sure where my penis was inserted or was held her hand. I might feel numb around my penis after being held by her hand for awhile. If it did inserted, it might be for a few mins.

After that I took the rest of PEP pills for day 26th, 27th, and 28th. "Could I need to get tested from this incident or PEP already protected me?"



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Edward W. Hook M.D.
36 months ago
Welcome to the Forum.  I'l be glad to comment.

I suspect that if your penis had entered your partner you would have known it.  Irrespective however, this was a no risk event as the fact that you were taking PEP at the time of the possible exposure effectively acted as PrEP and would prevent HIV infection if exposed.  There is no need for additional testing related to this exposure.  You should simply verify the effectiveness of your PEP/PrEP by testing for HIV with a 4th generation, combination HIV antigen/antibody test six weeks after your final dose of antiviral medication.

Hope this helps.  EWH
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36 months ago
Hi Dr.Hook,

I found some internet stuffs, it says one should continue the medication at least 7 days after the last exposure. But I had only 3 days left at that time, did it affect HIV protection?

And my final question, do I still need HIV test Or I simply trust PEP without having tested?

Thank you Dr.Hook.










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Edward W. Hook M.D.
36 months ago
How how long to continue medication after an exposure is unknown and most recommendations are guesses.  Your three days of medication is following your last potential exposure is more than equivalent to the amount of medication that would be taken under guidelines for so-called “prep on demand”. I would be confident that, if penetration even occurred, the medication you were on would have a protective affect. 

As far as follow-up is concerned, as mentioned above, standard recommendations are to have follow up testing for HIV using a 4th generation test six weeks following completion of postexposure prophylaxis. This would be my recommendation for you.  EWH 
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36 months ago
Thank you Dr.Hook, I'll take a follow-up and seek for PREP.