Get to know about PEP is an emergency antiretroviral medication used to prevent HIV infection after an exposure. It must be taken within 72 hours of an incident, such as unprotected sex, rape, or a needle or sharp object cut in a health care setting. Many people may not be familiar with PEP, but in fact, it is very important for reducing the risk of HIV infection and increasing the chances of effectively preventing life-threatening diseases.

Get to know about PEP

What is PEP?

PEP stands for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, which is the use of antiretroviral drugs to prevent HIV infection in an emergency. People at risk should start taking PEP as soon as possible and under the guidance of a doctor. This drug must be taken within 72 hours of the risk and continuously for 28 days.

What does PEP consist of?

PEP consists of 3 types of antiretroviral drugs. The doctor will choose the appropriate formula for each person, considering the following factors:

  • Blood test results
  • History of drug allergies
  • Current dietary supplements
  • Liver and kidney function

Because PEP must be used under the supervision of a doctor, it cannot be purchased at general pharmacies.

Reasons for taking PEP

PEP is a drug for emergency use only. It is not a drug for daily prevention. It is appropriate to use this drug in the following situations:

  • Condom breaks or slips off during sex
  • Unconsciousness during sex due to alcohol or certain drugs
  • Sharing needles or getting stuck in a hospital

Get to know about PEP ,PEP works by preventing HIV from spreading It becomes a complete virus in the body, which helps the immune system to defend against the infection.

Get to know about PEP

Who should receive PEP?

Get to know about PEP is suitable for people who are at risk of sudden HIV infection, such as:

  • People who have unprotected sex or condom problems, such as condom breaks or slips off during sex
  • People who have sex with a partner who is known to have HIV and the condom slips off or tears
  • People who have been sexually abused
  • Health care workers who have been injured by needles or sharp objects contaminated with HIV

Steps to receive PEP

  • Risk assessment If you suspect that you are at risk of HIV infection, you should see a doctor immediately. The doctor will assess the risk and consider whether you should receive PEP or not.
  • A preliminary health check, blood test to confirm that the patient does not have HIV and screen for other sexually transmitted diseases, liver and kidney function tests to assess readiness to receive medication
  • Receiving medication The doctor will choose the appropriate drug formula for each patient and provide advice on taking the medication.
  • Follow-up After taking PEP for 28 days, the patient must be tested for HIV again in 1 month and 3 months.
ยาเป๊ป ราคาเท่าไหร่?

How much does PEP cost?

PEP is an antiretroviral drug that helps prevent HIV infection in an emergency. Access to the drug and the cost of PEP can vary depending on the hospital you choose. These different services affect the price, as follows:

PEP price at a government hospital

  • Starting price
    • Receiving PEP through a government hospital usually costs around 1,500 baht or more.
    • This price includes a basic blood test, a doctor’s consultation, and the cost of antiretroviral drugs for 28 days of treatment.
  • Advantages
    • Lower cost than private hospitals
    • A team of specialist doctors can provide consultation and follow up on treatment results.
  • Limitations
    • There may be a long wait time because there are usually a lot of people using services at government hospitals.
    • The testing and medication process takes longer.

PEP price at a private clinic or private hospital

  • Cost
    • The price of PEP at a private clinic or private hospital is usually higher than at a government hospital, with costs starting at around 3,000-5,000 baht or more.
    • This cost covers a doctor’s consultation, blood test, screening for sexually transmitted diseases, and the cost of antiretroviral drugs.
  • Advantages
    • Fast, convenient, and private service
    • There is a closer follow-up system, and additional consultations can be received at any time.
    • Some clinics offer anonymous services, which can help reduce anxiety for those who do not want to reveal their identities.
  • Limitations
    • The higher cost may be a limitation for some.

What is the difference between PrEP and PrEP?

  • PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a drug used to prevent HIV infection before exposure occurs. It must be taken daily.
  • PrEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an emergency drug used after exposure to HIV occurs. It must be taken within 72 hours.

Both methods can reduce the risk of contracting HIV, but they should be used in conjunction with other preventive measures, such as condoms.

คำถามที่พบบ่อยเกี่ยวกับยาเป๊ป

Frequently Asked Questions about PEP

Do I need to be tested again after completing the PEP course?

After completing the 28-day course of PEP, you should get tested again for HIV in 1 month and 3 months.

How much of a percentage of PEP can prevent HIV infection?

PEP is highly effective if started within 72 hours after exposure and continued for 28 days. Animal studies have shown that PEP given immediately after exposure to HIV can prevent infection by 100%. However, results in humans depend on several factors, such as when the medication is started, the amount of virus in the body, and how often the medication is taken.

How long do I need to take PEP?

I need to take the medication at the same time every day for 28 days.

Is there a risk of not taking PEP as prescribed?

Not taking the medication as prescribed reduces its effectiveness in preventing HIV infection. Therefore, I should take the medication as prescribed by my doctor and complete the course.

Can PEP cure HIV infection?

Emergency medicine such as PEP has the main function of preventing HIV from spreading in the body after the body has been exposed to the virus in an emergency. The process of PEP works by inhibiting the HIV virus from becoming a complete virus, which will reduce the chances of the virus embedding and multiplying in the body. PEP is designed to prevent the virus from spreading, but it is not effective in eliminating the virus that has embedded in the body.

Does PEP have side effects?

Currently, PEP is very safe and the side effects that occur are usually not serious, such as:

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue

These symptoms usually improve within 1 week after starting the drug. In case of severe side effects, such as severe allergic reactions or abnormal symptoms that do not go away within 1 week, you should see a doctor immediately.

Can PEP be used every time you have high-risk sex?

PEP is an emergency medicine designed to prevent HIV infection after having risks, such as unprotected sex or being stuck with a needle contaminated with HIV. This drug should be used only in emergencies. Using PEP every time you have high-risk sex is not the right way because it is not only wasteful. It may also increase the risk of side effects from regular use of the drug.

For those who know that they are at risk of HIV infection regularly, such as those who have sex with multiple partners or those who share injection needles, they should switch to PrEP, which is a drug for preventing HIV infection beforehand. PrEP can effectively reduce the risk if used correctly. It should be used with condoms for increased safety.

What to do if you have unprotected sex while taking PEP?

In the case of unprotected sex while taking PEP

  • During the first 3 weeks, if you have sex during the first 3 weeks of taking PEP, your body will already be protected by PEP. Therefore, it is not necessary to start taking PEP again.
  • During the last week of taking the drug, if you have unprotected sex during the last week, you must continue taking PEP for another week to increase the effectiveness of preventing HIV infection.

Where can I buy PEP?

PEP cannot be purchased at general drug stores because this drug must be used under the supervision of a doctor. Those who want to use PEP must undergo a health check and risk assessment first. The process is as follows:

  • Blood test for HIV, hepatitis, liver and kidney function to assess whether PEP can be used.
  • Consult a doctor The doctor will consider the appropriateness of the medication and select the appropriate medication formula for each patient.
  • Receiving medication Patients will receive medication at home along with instructions on how to use the medication correctly.

Receiving PEP medication can be done at a medical facility, such as a hospital, a specialist clinic, or a health center that provides this service.

ข้อควรปฏิบัติระหว่างการใช้ยาเป๊ป

Precautions during PEP use

  • Do not donate blood. During PEP use, users should not donate blood for the safety of the recipient.
  • Avoid unprotected sex. Condoms should be used at all times to reduce the risk of contracting HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Observe side effects. If there are severe side effects or they do not improve within 1 week, see a doctor immediately.
  • Take medication on time. Taking medication on time every day is important to maintain a stable level of medication in the body and achieve maximum effectiveness.

Receiving PEP at Phuket Medical Clinic, Laguna Branch

If you are at risk of HIV infection and need urgent prevention,Get to know about PEP PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an important option that can help reduce the chances of infection. However, it must be taken within 72 hours after exposure.

Phuket Medical Clinic, Laguna Branch is ready to provide diagnostic services and PEP medication by a team of specialist doctors with modern medical equipment to ensure that you receive the correct, safe, and effective care.

Why receive PEP at Phuket Medical Clinic, Laguna Branch?

  • Care by specialist doctors who are ready to provide advice and assess your risks in detail.
  • Fast service, assessment and medication within a short time
  • High safety standards with certified equipment and medicine
  • Privacy, friendly service and respect for the privacy of service recipients

If you are at risk and want to receive PEP, do not hesitate! Contact Phuket Medical Clinic, Laguna branch immediately for appropriate consultation and treatment.

Read more articles

Contact Channels

Laguna Branch

  • Phuket Medical Clinic, Laguna Branch is located at 58/1, Cherngtalay Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket Province 83100
  • Open every day, Monday – Sunday, 09.00 – 22.00 hrs.
  • Inquire via Line id. @pmcphuket (with @)
  • Contact number 096 236 2449
  • Clinic map https://maps.app.goo.gl/SXaeLrSU9Lx47YPH6
  • Book an appointment online https://pmclaguna.youcanbook.me

Branch in the city

Boat Lagoon Branch

  • Phuket Medical Clinic Boat Lagoon Branch is located at 20/96. Moo 2, Thepkrasattri Rd., Koh Kaew Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket Province 83000
  • Open every day, Monday – Sunday, 10.00 – 18.00 hrs.
  • Inquire via Line ID. @pmcphuket (with @)
  • Contact number 096 696 2449
  • Clinic map https://maps.app.goo.gl/HbqfUKMEHXuKwan96
  • Book an appointment online https://pmctown.youcanbook.me

Get to know about PEP is an important option for emergency HIV prevention, but should only be used in situations where it is absolutely necessary. Using the medication correctly under the guidance of a doctor can effectively reduce the risk. However, reducing risk behaviors and using other prevention methods such as PrEP and condoms are still key to maintaining good health and reducing the chances of acquiring HIV in the long run.

Reference

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Basics. [ออนไลน์] เข้าถึงได้จาก: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/pep.html
  • World Health Organization (WHO). Updated guidelines on HIV post-exposure prophylaxis: A comprehensive review of PEP implementation. [ออนไลน์] เข้าถึงได้จาก: https://www.who.int
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH). Guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents in adults and adolescents living with HIV. [ออนไลน์] เข้าถึงได้จาก: https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/en/guidelines/adult-and-adolescent-arv/
  • กองโรคเอดส์ และโรคติดต่อทางเพศสัมพันธ์ กรมควบคุมโรค กระทรวงสาธารณสุข. ข้อมูลแนวทางการใช้ยาเป๊ป (PEP) เพื่อป้องกันการติดเชื้อ HIV ในกรณีฉุกเฉิน.
  • มูลนิธิเอดส์แห่งประเทศไทย (Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre). ข้อมูลการให้บริการยาเป๊ปในประเทศไทย. [ออนไลน์] เข้าถึงได้จาก: https://www.trcarc.org