You may have had to make the decision to go on PEP pretty quickly, so chances are you still have a few questions about it. This section should help to address some of the last minute questions or concerns you might have about taking PEP.

How does PEP work?

PEP works by preventing HIV from reproducing before HIV infection can be established in a person’s body. As with other medications, it is important you take the pills as stated to maintain the right amount of the medication in your bloodstream at all times. This will mean that the medication will be as effective as possible.

There are plenty of reasons why you might forget to take a dose of PEP; either because you were busy or tired or just plain forgot. However it is important to remember that PEP works best when taken at the right dose, at the right time, without missing doses.

Missing doses

Sometimes it’s hard to get into a habit, especially when it’s a relatively short-term one, like taking your PEP medication. Because of this, you may on occasion suddenly remember that you have forgotten to take your medication. Remember PEP becomes less effective if you do not take it absolutely correctly. The more doses you miss, the less effective the treatment will be.

If you find you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. Do not just wait and take a double dose at the time you are next due – this can be dangerous as many HIV drugs are toxic and cause side effects.

Your PEP drugs should be taken as “on time” as possible. Many of the people for whom PEP failed to work didn’t take the medications as they were supposed to.

Busy, busy, busy…

For many people, a busy social or work life can mean you don’t even get time for lunch, let alone take PEP medication.

There are plenty of practical ways you can make sure you remember to take your medication on time. For example, setting alarms on mobile phones, watches or computers can make sure the time doesn’t slip you by.

Keeping the drugs where you can see them and pre-organising your doses can make it easier to remember and take your medication if you think you might (or do) have trouble.

Many men find that it’s when they are away from home that they tend to miss doses more often. If you are planning a night out and aren’t sure you are going to make it home for whatever reason, take a dose of medication with you.

Storage

Drugs recommended for use in the UK for PEP generally don’t need special storage. They should be kept in a cool, dark, dry place at a temperature under 30°C. The place where you keep your other medicines is usually fine, as long at it isn’t in the bathroom, which is usually too damp. You should check with your doctor or hospital pharmacist to be sure.

Side effects

The severity of side effects of PEP can vary from person to person and you need to be prepared for them. For some people they can be bad enough to stop PEP altogether. The most common side effects include nausea/vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches and fatigue. For personal accounts of taking PEP, click here.

It is important you let your clinic nurse or doctor know what side effects you are experiencing. There may be a way to counter these with, for example, anti-nausea and anti-diarrhoea medication.

If you are finding the side effects too much to handle and are unsure that you can keep taking PEP, you should discuss this with your doctor before stopping.

Most other side effects associated with anti-HIV medication, such as lipodystrophy (i.e. the redistribution of fat around the body), tend not to occur from such short courses.

Recreational drugs

Recreational drugs can damage your immune system, so taking them can make a difference to how effective PEP will be. As well as taking the right pills on time, staying healthy by getting enough sleep and eating properly play a big part in preventing infection. Sometimes taking recreational drugs can get in the way of this so many men who normally use them just choose to have a month off.

Your body’s reaction to some recreational drugs will be different while on PEP medication. Also, going out all night and getting out of it can mean that you end up away from home without your medication or just miss doses altogether.

Staying in touch

Your doctor will probably ask you to come in regularly, perhaps even once a week to check how you’re going and give you as much support as you need to keep on PEP. You can discuss any problems you might be having with your treatment, or beforehand if necessary. They will give you contact details at the clinic.

After you have finished your course of PEP, you will need to make two more visits – at three months and six months after finishing the course. This is to see whether PEP has been successful in preventing HIV infection or not.

Making preparations

While you are on PEP, it may be necessary to arrange time off work or study. Many people who go on PEP often find that the side effects are so severe, they are unable to work. Unfortunately, it is hard to tell how long this may continue as it varies from person to person.

Also, you may need help with day-to-day activities like shopping etc, so it may be necessary to tell someone what you are going to do, so that you may be able to get some help if things become too difficult while on your medications.

Terrence Higgins Trust's booklet 'Sticking with it' contains useful information about taking HIV medication. It is aimed at people living with HIV, however, contains information useful for men taking PEP. You can obtain a copy by calling THT Direct on 0845 12 21 200 or through the THT website.