The medicine makes me vomit, miserable
Jul 23, 2013
Over the weekend I got myself in trouble after taking alcohol. I had unprotected sex with a woman I met for the first time and did not know well, only to realise in the morning we had not used condoms.
QDear Doctor,
Over the weekend I got myself in trouble after taking alcohol. I had unprotected sex with a woman I met for the first time and did not know well, only to realise in the morning we had not used condoms.
When we checked for HIV after two days she was positive while I was negative.
A friend, who is a doctor, advised that I should be put on PEP but warned that it may not work because it was started late (48 hours) after the encounter.
I am now so scared and even wondering whether it is worth taking these drugs because the nausea and occasional vomiting are making me so miserable.
Godfrey
ADear Godfrey,
Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is given on the premises that the ARVs would help abort an HIV infection. ARVs work by blocking enzymes HIV uses to change its genetic material (RNA) into human-like genetic material (DNA) and hence be able to replicate or multiply inside human cells.
This literally turns human cells into factories for manufacturing the virus.
If ARVs are given early enough before HIV has entered and started multiplying inside the cells of the exposed person, then the process may be blocked and the person does not get infected.
Otherwise after the infection has already happened, the drugs cannot help. Usually, PEP should be given within 12 hours after exposure and before 72 hours have elapsed.
The earlier PEP is initiated, the better the outcome. So, you should continue taking your drugs and test for HIV after one month because it is only then you will know whether you got infected following the encounter or not.
Remember also that not all exposures to HIV, especially during consensual sex result into infection. To reduce the side effects, try to increase you daily fluid intake.
Lastly, as you have realised, use of alcohol or drugs before sex is a big risk factor and it is one of the drivers of the HIV epidemic in our country. Alcohol and drugs should be avoided if we are to prevent new HIV infections due to risky behaviour.