Brief unprotected anal insertion HIV- (self & partner) Atripla for 30 days?

I am a gay male who is HIV- (one previous partner in last 6 months [3 months ago] tested negative 3 days ago). I began dating a guy a couple weeks ago and early this week, we were foolish and began having unprotected anal intercourse. I was the top and entered him (with lubrication) for approximately one minute (tops--probably more like 15 seconds). We stopped, but then later, I re-entered him (no lubrication) for approximately one more minute before stopping. I did not ejaculate  in him.

I happened to see my doctor two days later for a regular appt. and he asked (as he always does) about my sexual activity. When I told him my partner tested HIV- two months ago, but that I hadn't known him that long and didn't know who he had been with since then or within that window, he put me on ATRIPLA for 30 days. After I took the first pill and had bad side effects, I talked to my partner. I prefaced it by saying that I had been given these pills and would rather not take them, but if he could not be (or was not ready to be) completely honest with me about his sexual history, I would just take them. He told me that he has had two partners (anal sex) in the last 7 months: one was an ex-boyfriend (unprotected) who cheated on him and one was a hook up (protected). He was tested 6 months after breaking up with the boyfriend (negative), but hadn't been tested since the protected anal sex hookup. I do not know how much oral sex he has had in that time; he has never injected drugs.

I called my doctor and told him this information and he encouraged me to keep taking Atripla for the full 30 days, just to be safe.He said that if a healthcare worker comes into contact with spilled blood and they don't know the status of the person whose blood it is, they will take this pill for 30 days. That said, I don't want to be on this medication if I don't have to be.

I have several questions and could really use some expert opinion, because I'm having terrible side effects (vivid dreams, dizziness) after only THREE DAYS on Atripla:

1. Although I trust my partner is being honest, if I were to assume he is lying and that he doesn't know his status or that he is HIV+, am I "really" at risk here? (Of course, I know there is some risk!) The insertion period was very brief, I was the insertive partner, and no ejaculation occurred.

2. What would be the danger of stopping taking ATRIPLA after 3 days? Would I be more suseptable to HIV in the future? Would I be resistant to antibiotics or anything else?

3. What irreversible side effects could occur from taking this medication for 30 days? I'm particularly (vainly) worried about the changes in body fat that can happen: "buffalo" back, loss of fat in arms, sunken cheeks. I'm also worried about the changed texture/appearance of the skin that can happen.

Thanks so much for your help--like I said, it was very stupid and my partner and I have not engaged in these activities since that time. I just need help assessing my risk for HIV and the risks/benefits of being on this medication.

[BrandonLouvre]

When I say I re-entered him w/ no lubrication for a minute, I actually mean no water-based lubricant, only saliva as a lubricant.

[ricky_id]

1. No matter how short when unprotected vaginal/anal sex is involved one may expose himself to HIV risk, and for anal it's pretty high statistically provided one of the performers is HIV+.

2. He gave you Atripla?? Well I just researched of this stuff and found that it should be given only when you ALREADY have HIV. He should've given you some PEP instead but it's unfortunately too late now. (I'm not saying you have HIV though)

3. Not sure about symptoms from this. But if I were you I'll get tested 3 months after the sex instead and only start taking those when I conclusively have HIV.

[NickOne7]

Have your partner tested, This will give you some sort of comfort. Then test yourself at 3 months. ALWAYS use condoms until you are both tested and 100% sure there are no HIV or STDs in your relationship.

Good Luck

[joggen]

1. Your risk is relatively low in this situation. Most people tell the truth about their testing history and it is unlikely that your partner had HIV. If I were in your situation I would not have agreed to take PEP.

2. No danger to stopping ATRIPLA other than loss of potential prophylaxis.

3. Ask your doctor.

I would not consider this a PEP situation but the decision to stay on it should be between you and your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about side effects. He has an obligation to explain all of the potential risks to you.