Safe to stop PEP?

[bongo1212]

I had unprotected insertive anal sex with a woman. Yes, I know it was stupid, party, drunk, all that..... However only 2 days later did I find out just how stupid!  It turned out she a) had a prior history of IV drug use and b) has recently been hooking to pay bills. And my Mr. Happy had a bruise - maybe even a tiny abrasion -  from some rough oral that accompanied it as well.

I was able to speak to a doc and began PEP 60 hours later.

The next week I was able to track down my "pro" to convince her to get tested. I bought what I thought was the quantitative RNA PCR test. However, when I got her (negative!) results it turns out the test was a qualitative DNA PCR test (and an AB test, which was also negative). This on the 12th day after my potential exposure.

I know my risk is (very) low but obviously I want to do anything possible to mitigate it.  I'm not experiencing any side effects (other than in the wallet) from Truvada. My question is there still a risk such that it makes sense for me to continue the full course of PEP, or no? Retesting (her)  isn't an option.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You can find lots of conflicting information.  You asked for my opinion and now have it.,  If I were you, I'd not be taking PEP any longer,.  EWH

[bongo1212]

Thank you very much for your prompt and reassuring response (and for creating such a valuable forum). I guess my only question is the timing - lots of conflicting data out there about the window for the DNA PCR test and 12 days seems on the cusp.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum.   I'll go straight to your questions.

If you partner had a negative HIV PCR and a negative HIV antibody test you can be quite sure that she does not have HIV.  As a result there is no medical reason whatsoever for you to be taking PEP.  Based on these test results, my advice would be to stop taking the PEP.  Using the same line of reasoning, I see no need for further testing either.

Just in passing, I should also point out that your risk for other, far more common STDs such as gonorrhea and chlamydial infection is much higher than your risk for HIV.  If you were not tested for these problems, I recommend it.

I hope this comment is helpful to you. EWH