Given Combivir (lamivudine + zidovudine) after possible HIV exposure

[OptimisticAndy]

Hi,

 

I have been given this drug in Thailand after a possible HIV exposure less than 72 hours ago (about 40).

 

Was considered high risk because she was a bar girl, it was unprotected (although for a short time), and because I had a cut / graze on my penis from earlier in the day.

 

I have a few questions I'd appreciate help with:

 

- I've read in a few places online third that lamivudine + zidovudine is typically used in combination with a third drug. Should the hospital have given me something else? Should I ask them?

 

- I've also read repeatedly that lamivudine + zidovudine isn't a cure for HIV. But if it is able to stop HIV if taken within 72 hours of exposure - isn't that a cure?

 

- What is the success rate of this drug in stopping HIV after exposure?

 

- An how long should I wait after the course (it is 28 days) before getting tested.

 

Thanks for reading. 

 

 

[OptimisticAndy]

Any thoughts on this guys................... not sure whether to go back to the hospital today and ask if I need another drug.

[tubby johnson]

Lamivudine and zidovudine suppress the activity or replication of HIV and other retroviruses. They don't cure it, as it's incurable.

Best to seek a doctor for advice on how long you'll need to be taking them. Possibly for the rest of your life. Don't skip one or a few doses: the risk for treatment failure increases substantially.

A doctor should also test you for other nasty STDs. 

 

[RickG16]

37 minutes ago, tubby johnson said:

Lamivudine and zidovudine suppress the activity or replication of HIV and other retroviruses. They don't cure it, as it's incurable.

Best to seek a doctor for advice on how long you'll need to be taking them. Possibly for the rest of your life. Don't skip one or a few doses: the risk for treatment failure increases substantially.

A doctor should also test you for other nasty STDs. 

 

I don't think he has been diagnosed with HIV. He is just taking the meds because of a possible exposure.

Edited April 5, 2018 by RickG16

[Sheryl]

Yes, post-exposure prophylaxis usually consists of 3 drugs, that is the "gold standard". 2 drug therapy is used if there are contraindications to triple therapy due potential interactionc with other medications being given, impaired  liver/kidney function etc. 

 

Who prescribed this, was it an HIV specialist? If you are in the Bangkok area I suggest you go to the Thai red cross Anonymous Clinic (details in the pinned HIV thread) or see one of the hIcV specialists listed in that same thread.

 

HIV antigen/antibody testing is recommended at baseline, 4-6 weeks and 3 months (12 weeks) after exposure.  While PeP can affect the accuracy of tests that measure the presence of the virus in the blood it wlil nto affect the accuracy of test that measure the presence of antibodies - but these take time to form.  You should also be tested for Hep B and C at the same time.

 

Post-exposure prophylaxis prevents the virus from taking hold in the body, i.e. it stops the disease process before it begins. it is about 80-90% effective.

 

 

 

 

 

.

[OptimisticAndy]

10 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

Yes, post-exposure prophylaxis usually consists of 3 drugs, that is the "gold standard". 2 drug therapy is used if there are contraindications to triple therapy due potential interactionc with other medications being given, impaired  liver/kidney function etc. 

 

Who prescribed this, was it an HIV specialist? If you are in the Bangkok area I suggest you go to the Thai red cross Anonymous Clinic (details in the pinned HIV thread) or see one of the hIcV specialists listed in that same thread.

 

HIV antigen/antibody testing is recommended at baseline, 4-6 weeks and 3 months (12 weeks) after exposure.  While PeP can affect the accuracy of tests that measure the presence of the virus in the blood it wlil nto affect the accuracy of test that measure the presence of antibodies - but these take time to form.  You should also be tested for Hep B and C at the same time.

 

Post-exposure prophylaxis prevents the virus from taking hold in the body, i.e. it stops the disease process before it begins. it is about 80-90% effective.

 

 

 

 

Thanks, it was a doctor on the island where I live, Koh Samui. Not sure if it is now too late to ask for a third drug, as in about 12 hours after I write this 72 hours will have passed?

 

Also having read up, a few studies have also involved giving patients the two drug treatment, rather than 3. But like you say 3 appears to be the 'gold standard'. Not sure if I should be getting worried. 

 

 

[Sheryl]

No matter what, do not worry unduly as the odds of infection from a single exposure is low and there is certainly some protection from 2 drug therapy.

But if you eant maximum protection go back and ask for the 3rd med.

Sent from my SM-J701F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[Justfine]

Use a condom next time. Not sure how you got a cut prior.

[SoNowWhat]

Very unusual that you were not prescribed a third medication, tenofovir (TDF)? Most PEP regimens contain this.  Did you ever ask why the doctor only gave you 2 medications? Any follow up reports?