Postexposure Prophlaxis (PEP)

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Postexposure Prophlaxis (PEP)

Postexposure Prophlaxis (PEP) is recommended when occupation exposure to HIV occurs. The NIH's Office of AIDS Research1 provides the following guidelines:
  • If possible, determine the HIV status of the source patient to guide need for HIV PEP
  • Start PEP medication regimens as soon as possible after occupational exposure to HIV and continue them for four weeks.
    • PEP medication regimens should contain at least three antiretroviral drugs for all occupational exposures to HIV.
  • Expert consultation is recommended for any occupational exposures to HIV
  • Provide close follow-up for exposed personnel that includes counseling, baseline and follow-up HIV testing, and monitoring for drug toxicity. Follow-up appointments should begin within 72 hours of an HIV exposure.
  • If a newer 4th generation combination HIV p24 antigen-HIV antibody test is utilized for follow-up HIV testing of exposed healthcare personnel, HIV testing may be concluded at 4 months after exposure. If a newer testing platform is not available, follow-up HIV testing is typically concluded at 6 months after an HIV exposure.
1. Clinical Info HIV and NIH's Office of AIDS Research. "Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in Adults and Adolescents Living with HIV." ClinicalInfo.HIV.gov, 2020, https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/en/guidelines/adult-and-adolescent-arv/whats-new-guidelines