PEP Medicine in Patna: What to Do After Possible HIV Exposure

A possible exposure to HIV can cause fear and confusion. However, you should not panic or waste time searching for symptoms. An emergency treatment called PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, may reduce the risk of HIV when it is started promptly.

If the exposure happened during the last 72 hours, contact a qualified doctor or emergency medical service immediately.

WHAT IS PEP?

PEP means taking HIV medicines after a possible exposure to prevent the virus from establishing an infection. PEP is intended for emergencies. It is not a regular medicine that should be taken without medical assessment.

When prescribed, PEP is generally taken every day for 28 days. It must be started within 72 hours, and starting earlier is better.

WHEN SHOULD PEP BE CONSIDERED?

A doctor may consider PEP after sex without a condom when the partner’s HIV status is positive or uncertain, condom breakage, sharing needles or injection equipment, sexual assault, an occupational needle-stick injury, or blood and certain body fluids contacting broken skin or a mucous membrane.

Not every contact can transmit HIV. Touching, hugging, sharing food, mosquito bites, sweat, tears and ordinary saliva do not transmit HIV. A doctor should assess the type of contact, timing, body fluid involved and available information about the source.

WHY IS THE 72-HOUR DEADLINE IMPORTANT?

HIV can begin establishing an infection soon after entering the body. PEP becomes less likely to work as time passes. Current guidance recommends beginning PEP as soon as possible—preferably within 24 hours—and no later than 72 hours after a significant exposure.

Do not wait for symptoms. Early HIV infection may cause no symptoms, and symptoms cannot tell you whether transmission occurred.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A PEP CONSULTATION?

The doctor may ask when the exposure happened, what type of exposure occurred, whether a condom was used, whether the source is known to have HIV, what medicines you take and whether you have kidney, liver or other health conditions.

Baseline HIV testing is normally required. Depending on the circumstances, the doctor may also advise kidney and liver tests, hepatitis tests, pregnancy testing or screening for sexually transmitted infections.

IS PEP GUARANTEED TO PREVENT HIV?

No treatment offers a 100% guarantee. PEP is expected to reduce the risk when it is appropriate, started promptly and taken correctly for the complete course. Missing doses or continuing to have new exposures may reduce protection. Follow-up HIV testing remains necessary even when every PEP dose has been taken.

WHAT IF MORE THAN 72 HOURS HAVE PASSED?

PEP is generally not recommended when more than 72 hours have passed because there is insufficient evidence that it remains effective. You should still consult a doctor for an HIV testing plan, assessment for other infections and advice about PrEP for future protection.

WHERE CAN I GET PEP TREATMENT IN PATNA?

Patna HIV Clinic provides confidential assessment for people who may have been exposed to HIV. Dr. Pratyush Kumar can assess whether PEP is appropriate, advise the necessary tests and provide follow-up guidance.

Urgent contact: Call or WhatsApp 9241952419.

If the exposure occurred within the last 72 hours, seek help immediately rather than waiting for an online response or appointment on a later date.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I purchase PEP and start it myself?

PEP should be prescribed after medical assessment. The correct decision depends on the exposure, timing, medical history, current medicines and baseline tests.

Can I stop PEP when the initial HIV test is negative?

No. A baseline test cannot rule out infection from an exposure that happened recently. Do not stop or change PEP unless your doctor advises it.

Can PEP be taken repeatedly?

PEP is intended for emergencies. Someone with repeated exposure risk should discuss PrEP and other prevention measures with a qualified doctor.

Does PEP protect against other infections?

No. PEP specifically addresses HIV risk. Testing or treatment for hepatitis and other sexually transmitted infections may be required separately.

References: CDC — Preventing HIV with PEP; CDC 2025 clinical recommendations for non-occupational PEP.

Medical disclaimer: This article provides general education and does not replace an individual medical assessment.

Author: Dr. Pratyush Kumar, Patna HIV Clinic.