PEP-need answer ASAP...

Can someone tell me their experiences with PEP??

I was exposed about 16 hours ago at work, the MD at work said I have until about 24-48 hours to decide if I want to start it,
He doesn't feel I need to,as the risk and exposure are small...however, I want to be informed.

I hear that the side effects are horrible..

Are they that bad? Nausea, vomiting, liver function issues????

It's only for 28 days, right?? Do the side effects stop after stopping the drug or are there any lasting effects???

Thanks in advance, just trying to gather information as quickly as possible.

[Teak]

You don't need PEP for the situation you provided.

[jfem4]

I realize that you, plus the MD agree on that...what I don't understand is why?

Wouldn't it be better to be 100% safe than sorry ???

[Teak]

That's why people aren't given PEP unnecessarily.

[jfem4]

They aren't given PEP unnecesarily because of the side effects???

That's what I am trying to figure out...is the MD at work deciding for me that he thinks that the side effects are too great for the low risk of exposure???

What I am asking is what are the side effects/long term issues, if any, and shouldn't I be the one to make that decision???

[Teak]

No you should not be the one that makes the decision. That's the purpose of Doctors to make assessments not you.

[jfem4]

OK...then I will...it's just hard because I'm the Nurse Practitioner, and it's hard for me to give up the control...

Thanks for all of your time...

[Teak]

I've looked at your past history since you've been on MedHelp and came to the conclusion that professional mental help is what you actually need.

[jfem4]

Agreed...

[jfem4]

I can understand you thinking that, and since this isn's a forum about things like that, I won't comment on your suggestion.

But thank you for your help/ advice on the HIV incident...obviously no one knows anything about your experience/knowledge, but you do take a lot of time to answer and help people ...  like me... thanks again.

[LIZZIE LOU]

teak's profile explains his experience and knowledge.

no risk...move on

[Teak]

Here is a list of the forums you've been on. You don't have to comment, it says enough for itself.

HIV Prevention Community
HIV Prevention Expert Forum
Dermatology Expert Forum
Leukemia & Lymphoma Community
Undiagnosed Symptoms Expert Forum
STDs Expert Forum
Ovarian Cancer Community
Family Medicine Expert Forum
Gastroenterology Expert Forum
Urgent Care Expert Forum
Menopause Community
Cancer Community
Women's Health Community
Fertility Community
Maternal & Child Community
Ear, Nose & Throat Community
Neurology Community
Breast Cancer Community

[jfem4]

and your point is???

[LIZZIE LOU]

move on...

[alienshadow]

The point is you dont have a risk and you are on every forum here for what????
Sorry if we sound rude but the truth is the truth

[jfem4]

For help...which is what I thought this forum was for....

[LIZZIE LOU]

i think you missed the most important forum...the OCD forum.

[jfem4]

I'll check it out...thank you for your advice...and most of all your compassion.