Hi there. I'm on Pep meds [Kaletra and Combivir] after an accident (burst condom). The meds are making me very ill and I think I'll struggle to complete the 28 course.
Q: Can I take a HIV PCR test at 10 days even if I've been on the above meds, or will the meds interfere with the test's validity? If PCR test is negative at 10 days, is it true that there's around 95% accuracy? I think I'd risk stopping the Meds if that's the case, as I know the contact only has HIV1. He gave me all the details he could about his status, meds, etc.
I tried searching the Forums but couldn't find this. Hope this query makes sense and you can help.
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Hi there. I'm on Pep meds [Kaletra and Combivir] after an accident (burst condom). We have abandoned kaletra and combivir because of the high rate of side effects esp nausea and headache which makes people abandon the treatment. We now use Truvada and Kaletra which is a better combination The meds are making me very ill and I think I'll struggle to complete the 28 course.
Q: Can I take a HIV PCR test at 10 days even if I've been on the above meds, or will the meds interfere with the test's validity? Yes they will completely negate the test - so the PCR is completely useless at this pointIf PCR test is negative at 10 days, is it true that there's around 95% accuracy? At least - provided you are not taking PEP - the PEP will completely bugger up the test I think I'd risk stopping the Meds if that's the case, as I know the contact only has HIV1.If you know he is HIV positive then you should continue with the meds - or change them to Truvada/Kaletra mix - or if that isn't possible where you are to get some powerful anti-sickness medications like ondansetron, which is what we give out. He gave me all the details he could about his status, meds, etc.
I tried searching the Forums but couldn't find this. Hope this query makes sense and you can help.
Dr Sean, many thanks for the reply. I've been so ill, I've only just managed to access it. I'm printing it off and I'm off to an urgent appointment with the Doctor who's supervising my PEP. Hopefully, she can find a modification to the regime that allows me to complete PEP. I'm already on Domperidone and Loperamide, but I'm still bringing up meds and having to re-take the dose.
I'm going to do my best to get through PEP. But, if I can't complete PEP: How long will it take before I can usefully take the HIV PCR test at your clinic? Say I have to stop tomorrow: Is it 10 days from then? 2 weeks? 12 weeks?
Once again, thanks for the detailed advice.
PS: Anyone who reads this who's ever thought "there's always PEP". This is the worst experience of my life by far. So play as safe as you can.
i completed a course of Truvada and Kaletra last year and i go for my three month Test soon.
after my month was up my result came back negative for HIV and so did all my other STI checks, i took my medication every 12 to 12.5 hours each day. how likley is it that my test results will change and the PEP being unsuccessful? i have not had any sexual contact since starting the PEP medication.
I got through PEP. It was hard work. Very tiring, headaches, but glad i stuck to it. Told by GUM I can't test reliably till mid April (12 wks after exposure). Would a HIV Duo test be valid any earlier or would the PEP regime interfere? I'm 28 days after exposure today.
Well done - its a really difficult combination to get through so you've done well.
The clinic is correct to tell you that you should test again at 12 weeks after completion of the PEP.
In the meantime, I think it is reasonable to have a DUO test and this will give you some reassurance. We have not had a situation here where a negative HIV DUO after PEP has turned into a positive test later so it would give you some guarded peace of mind.
I am currently on the Kaletra/Truvada Regimen for a possible 10 second exposure after a condom broke.
This is day 3 for me; so far I have only experienced some diarrhea and some mild nausea. I hope it stays that way for the 28 days... I have a question; What is the HIV DUO test you guys mentioned here?
HIV PCR Test whilst on PEP
Linear Mode
