HIV, with Dr. Watiti
May 29, 2011
ADHERENCE, which is taking prescribed drugs in the correct doses, at the correct time and for the prescribed period is very important if ARVs are to work whether for post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) or when they are given as antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Dear Doctor,
I am in a discordant relationship — my wife is HIV-positive while I am negative. We have been using condoms consistently until recently when we were both under the influence of alcohol and had unprotected sex. We immediately informed our doctor who put me on PEP. I have been on the drugs for two weeks now but I feel I cannot go on because of the nausea and loss of appetite they have caused. Do I have to take these drugs for a whole month really, considering it was only one encounter we had? Aren’t two weeks of ARVs enough to prevent the infection? Please advise.
Moses
Dear Moses,
ADHERENCE, which is taking prescribed drugs in the correct doses, at the correct time and for the prescribed period is very important if ARVs are to work whether for post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) or when they are given as antiretroviral therapy (ART).
That is why we tell all persons living with HIV (PLHIV) that they must continue taking their drugs even when they no longer feel sick. The guidelines for giving ARVs as prophylaxis after exposure to HIV were developed after scientific trials, so it is important that the drugs be taken for four weeks then a repeat HIV test is done to find out if they have worked or not.
What you should do to minimise nausea is to increase your fluid intake and continue with your drugs since you have already gone half way the treatment.
Lastly, it is important for all to know that use of alcohol and other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, etc are known to be one of the drivers of the HIV epidemic because they alter one’s behaviour making them take risks like having unprotected sex.
I am in a discordant relationship — my wife is HIV-positive while I am negative. We have been using condoms consistently until recently when we were both under the influence of alcohol and had unprotected sex. We immediately informed our doctor who put me on PEP. I have been on the drugs for two weeks now but I feel I cannot go on because of the nausea and loss of appetite they have caused. Do I have to take these drugs for a whole month really, considering it was only one encounter we had? Aren’t two weeks of ARVs enough to prevent the infection? Please advise.
Moses
Dear Moses,
ADHERENCE, which is taking prescribed drugs in the correct doses, at the correct time and for the prescribed period is very important if ARVs are to work whether for post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) or when they are given as antiretroviral therapy (ART).
That is why we tell all persons living with HIV (PLHIV) that they must continue taking their drugs even when they no longer feel sick. The guidelines for giving ARVs as prophylaxis after exposure to HIV were developed after scientific trials, so it is important that the drugs be taken for four weeks then a repeat HIV test is done to find out if they have worked or not.
What you should do to minimise nausea is to increase your fluid intake and continue with your drugs since you have already gone half way the treatment.
Lastly, it is important for all to know that use of alcohol and other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, etc are known to be one of the drivers of the HIV epidemic because they alter one’s behaviour making them take risks like having unprotected sex.