HIV PEP Benefit

    HaloCare’s HIV Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) management programme

    Post (after) Exposure (a situation where a person is possibly exposed to the HI virus) Prophylaxis (treatment used in an attempt to prevent HIV infection).

    PEP treatment is the use of ARV’s to help prevent HIV infection after possible exposure to the HI virus.

    PEP may be taken due to:

    • After unsafe sex practices or a burst condom.
    • Exposure to blood or other body fluid from someone who is possibly HIV positive. This could be where the blood or body fluid enters a cut, an open wound, the eyes or mouth etc.
    • Needle-stick injury.
    • Sexual assault.
    • Other forms of assault where the person and assailant have had opened wounds.

    PEP treatment

    • Treatment must be started as soon as possible after possible exposure – within 72 hours (three days).
    • You need to take antiretroviral drugs for a period of four weeks (28 days).
    • Triple therapy is recommended.
    • You may possibly experience drug related side effects which must be reported so that treatment may be changed.
    • PEP is not guaranteed to prevent HIV infection

    PEP on-going management monitoring:

    • Either a rapid test or a laboratory HIV Eliza test must be done to confirm your current HIV status.
    • Your doctor must issue you with a prescription for Triple ARV therapy which you must start as soon as possible after exposure.
    • An HIV Eliza test must be performed again at six weeks, three months and six months after the date of the exposure to confirm your negative status.
    • HaloCare is available for counselling and advice regarding post exposure and management.
    • Should your HIV test at any point be positive, you must receive counselling and education regarding your HIV positive status.
    • You may call HaloCare with any questions and concerns, at any time.

    Please note a person who is HIV negative form drug resistance to the ARVs as it is the HI virus that becomes resistant to the drug, the person does not become resistant to the drug.