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Avatar universal

PEP and low risk exposure, can I just stop?

I recently thought I might have an HIV and Hepatitis exposure but I wanted some opinions.

I wasn't thinking about it in the moment, and I'm nervous now. This happened yesterday (1 day ago at this time)

A friend of mine offered to check my glucose or blood sugar since I had never been tested for Diabetes.

He pulled out his multi use machine that he uses, as he is diabetic. He took the lancet out and replaced it with a new one. He pricked my finger and tested my blood. Didn't wipe the pen down or my finger, but it was a new lancet.

I freaked out afterward and first went to my doctor's office. A nurse practitioner said that they weren't worried, but I asked about PEP and they had no idea what that was. That didn't help my anxiety so I called an AIDS center, who recommended that I go to a Walgreens to get tested and receive PEP. The guy wasn't a doctor, just someone who runs an AIDS/HIV support group.

The nurse at Walgreens tested me for HIV and I came back negative, and prescribed me PEP.

I spoke to my friend today and they said they don't HIV or hepatitis. They kinda gave me that "Why are you so worried?" look. Warranted, I know.

A doctor on JustAnswer told me I could stop taking PEP, I can't catch HIV or Hepatitis from someone who doesn't have it.

My main question, is it safe to stop taking PEP suddenly? Will there be withdrawals or anything like that? Did I have anything to worry about? Regardless of if they have those diseases or not?
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Avatar universal
I'm forcing the issue. I threw the meds away. Time to move on. Can't let my phobia of diseases control me like this.

Started a stress journal to write down the facts and remind myself that I'm fine, using logic.  No more Google.
Helpful - 0
2 Comments
The clinic is just trying to cover themselves in case an event that hasn't occurred in history does happen and you sue them. Unlike them, you did the right thing, because it won't happen.
Thanks to the both of you. It really is hard to keep a level head through this. One day at a time. One breath at a time lol. I know it's their job to be overly cautious but I wish they would use the same approach that they use for every other illness. "You're fine!" And proceed to push you out to get to the next patient.
188761 tn?1584567620
COMMUNITY LEADER
You were never at risk for HIV, you need to stop taking PEP.

It's absolutely ridiculous that someone suggested you a Post exposure prophylaxis with out any potential exposure. I wouldn't expect much from these HIV support hotlines since they are manned by ignorant agents, mostly reading out of their computer screens.

Being pricked is not a risk, even for an occupational needle stick injury the risk is calculated at about 0.3%, which is practically unviable for risk of transmission. Please understand that a needle-stick injury is not equivalent to an intravenous injection with infected fluid. Therefore, there is no risk that can be associated with your event. There have been no documented cases of HIV infection through contact with needles in this fashion.

You don't need to test. For hepatitis specific information please post in the relevant forum.



Helpful - 0
1 Comments
I'm being pulled in multiple directions here. The clinic I went to is telling me to keep taking it just in case, but the HIV experts on JustAnswer as well as you are saying it isn't necessary. This is driving my anxiety about this through the roof.

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