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Does PrEp delay antibody production?

Just asking another question since my initial one received no response.

Simply put, I had unprotected sex with someone 12 weeks ago who stated beforehand that they are negative and alledges that they are on prep.

I take prep however I stoped it during the pandemic and restated it 3-4 days before having sex

I had a full std scan, an rna pcr test and a laboratory antibody test at 23 days. Everything came back negative. I also took 2 Oraquick tests. One at 46 days and another at 73 days. Both negative as well.

My question is…I’ve read that people on prep often take longer to produce enough antibodies so I’d like to know if that is true and if my three tests are reassuring enough of a definitive result?
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3191940 tn?1447268717
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi - sorry I missed your question earlier.  Didn't scroll down far enough.

Yes, since the meds you are taking suppress HIV replication, there is a chance that antibody production may be delayed.  Oraquick guidelines state that it is conclusive at 90 days post-event, so maybe take another test.  

It's tricky when you're taking this medication, so the best course of action is to talk to the doctor who prescribed it for you.  They may ask you to stop taking it for a month and then re-test.  
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2 Comments
Thank you for your insight. I am planning to do another Oraquick test at 90 days. My doctor instructed me to continue taking it as prescribed. Unfortunately I am unable to move up my routine appointment that I have scheduled for late September so naturally the wait time is making me anxious. :(

It isn't an awesome situation, because the scientific literature basically says that a better test needs to be developed.

PrEP is highly effective.  It is unlikely that your partner lied to you, but even if he did, remember that PrEP is very effective.  Also, most people don't have HIV.  Combine that with the efficacy of PrEP and your odds of having contracted HIV from this event are extremely low.
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