PEP – Deeproots Care

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV)

What’s PEP?

PEP is like a last-minute defense against HIV. If you think you’ve been exposed, PEP can help stop the virus from taking hold. But you gotta move quick—take it within 72 hours (three days) after exposure, and the sooner, the better. Ideally, within 24 hours.

PEP is a mix of HIV meds that can stop the virus. Remember, PEP isn’t an ‘oops, forgot my condom’ fix and it’s not a sure thing. It’s an emergency backup, not your go-to protection. Plus, PEP won’t stop other STIs or prevent pregnancy.

Where to find PEP in uganda

You can get PEP for free through the government health centers and hospitals in Uganda and HIV Clinics all over the country , but they have rules about who gets it.

Your best bet for PEP is a sexual health or HIV clinic. If it’s the weekend or late at night, hit up the government hospital .

PEP isn’t usually available from your regular doctors in private clinics and health centers .

Here’s what they might ask before giving you PEP:

Info about the person you hooked up with and their HIV status
What kind of sex you had (vaginal, oral, or anal)
If the other person has HIV, what their viral load is

If your partner has an undetectable viral load, you don’t need PEP because the virus can’t be passed on.

Before you get PEP, you’ll need an HIV test to make sure you don’t already have it. If you do, they’ll suggest other treatments.

How to Use PEP

You gotta take PEP exactly as told for 28 days.

Don’t skip doses or bail early. Missing doses makes PEP less effective. If you miss a dose and remember within 24 hours, take it ASAP. If you miss more than 48 hours, PEP will be stopped.

The usual PEP routine is a single tablet of tenofovir disoproxil/emtricitabine (Truvada) and two tablets of raltegravir.

You might feel a bit off in the first few days, like nausea, headaches, or being super tired.

Avoid party drugs while on PEP—they can be dangerous.

Steer clear of antacids (with aluminum, magnesium, or calcium), multivitamins, and iron supplements while on raltegravir.

Tell your doc about any other medicationss or supplements you’re taking to avoid issues.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you can still take PEP.

Worried about HIV?

Check out PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). It’s a daily pill that’s almost 100% effective at preventing HIV when taken right. It’s available all over Uganda in government health centers.