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?