PEP - Tenof Em / Truvada

[Rockus001]

If tested HIV negative prior to commence of taking PEP for Post Exposure would you suffer any of the Acute HIV symptoms.  I have been in PEP now for 7 days and have been experiencing rashes of different types and a couple of loose bowel movements.  The rashes last from 30 mins to a couple of hours and then disappear.. I have had these now for 5 days and don’t have any rashes so far today.. extremely worried that these symptoms may be Definite HIV related.. unprotected oral, but because the case that I was with was in top with her hand behind her on my penis, not sure if slight vaginal penetration...  

[CurfewX]

You may be experiencing side effects of the medication, but these are definitely NOT HIV symptoms, as you had zero risk for HIV.  I don't even know why you're on PEP as it is not appropriate for a no-risk event.

[Rockus001]

Appreciate your commentary.. commenced PEP in the 69th hour...  from commencing Truvada the first and second night had night sweats..  and developed slight sniffle and slight sore throat which I still have.. to be honest because her hand was behind her back on my penis I am now second guessing whether there was some vaginal penetration.  I thought that symptoms of Truvada eg rash only erupted if HIV positive.  Sorry if this has been covered previously.  I was considering stopping the meds as I assume rash / loose bowels was being caused by meds but not so sure.. freaking out!!

[CurfewX]

You are blowing this WAY out of proportion.  You should not be on PEP, and you do not have HIV.  PEP is intended for individuals who have had a high-risk exposure with someone who is HIV-positive.  It's not for people who are "freaking out" for no good reason.  

Your anxiety is making you second guess.  You would have known at the time if there was penetration.  Even if you penetrated for a second or two, that's a statistically insignificant risk.

[Rockus001]

Thanks Curfew, appreciated.. just not loving these random rashes on back and palms that come and go!!

[Rockus001]

Hi Anxious,  you could be right, thinking back as I was under the influence, I am not certain that there was no penetration as her hand her back on my penis..  you seem to have some background experience and my concern relates to the different rashes that come and go between 30 mins to 3 hours.. if they were an allergic reaction wouldn’t they always be there and not disappear.  None so far today although still on meds till I see a specialist here in Australia.. previous medical advice was in Malaysia

[Chima7]

You had no rush and should not have been given PEP for a non exposure. You're clearly experiencing dude effects of the medication. You should've read the literature that was provided with the meds because all of your side effects are listed.

[Chima7]

That should say no risk, instead of no rush.. My phone autocorrected.

[Rockus001]

Thanks Chima7, from what I did read the symptoms I experienced I thought weee related to those that were already HIV positive and not as a preventative!!