FAQs
Filter through the following questions to learn more about PEP!
PEP is a way to use HIV meds AFTER sex to try to prevent HIV infection. This usually involves taking a combination of three daily oral meds for 28 days. Sometimes two or three of these meds will be in a single pill.
HIV takes a little time for HIV infection to become established. This might be anything from a few hours to a few days. This leaves a short window for PEP to work in two ways. 1-PEP might stop HIV infecting any cells at all. 2-It might also stop HIV from spreading beyond the first infected cells.
This is because side effects of efavirenz include mood changes like anxiety and depression. There is also a very low risk of serious liver toxicity. To reduce side effects, efavirenz needs to be taken before bedtime and not within two hours of a high fat meal.
These combinations would still work against HIV, but the side effects might make your quality of life very difficult during this month.
Start as soon as possible. PEP will not work after 72 hours (3 days).