Condom broke: Using HIV treatment since then without a test

[JohnnyD]

Hi everyone,

I read a lot of topics here in the last hour or so, so I want to give my respect to the owners and moderators who are helping a lot of people.

Anyway, here's what happened to me:

I was in a Business travel before 2 weeks, met an escort and the condom broke while having sex, I didn't know until we finished. I freaked out, cleaned myself and asked her about her health, she said she was negative. But can't believe her.

When I went back to my country, where HIV is very rare, I went to see a doctor and he gave me HIV treatment (Lamivir and Effivir) and told me to make a blood test today and will show him the results tomorrow.

I don't have side-effects from the treatments, but I read it's bad for the heart, or liver and stuff like that and I'm freaking out, because my body could get in a danger or something that wasn't really.

I'm thinking of stopping the treatment until I test, but I read if you skip, the HIV will grow and will make a resistance inside your system. I'll ask the doctor, but I guess your expertise in this field is very much appreciated.

BTW, I'm sweating at night. It's not excessive. But it's winter here, but my t-shirt is "cold" and I freaked out today when I knew that. Couldn't go back to sleep.

Can I stop taking the meds? please advice and give me as much information as you can about my status.

I was feeling positive, but when I read the side effects I panicked. Especially we have "hearts" problem in our family.

Thanks a lot! 

[Jeff G]

How long after the condom break did you go on the HIV meds PEP ? Here is some information on PEP . http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/Transmission_17146.shtml

PEP is effective if initiated within 72 hours of exposure, it is your choice and your doctors on if you wish to continue on the meds or not .

Here's what you need to know in order to avoid hiv infection:

You need to be using condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, every time, no exceptions until such time as you are in a securely monogamous relationship where you have both tested for ALL sexually transmitted infections together.

To agree to have unprotected intercourse is to consent to the possibility of being infected with an STI.Sex without a condom lasts only a matter of minutes, but hiv is forever.

Have a look through the condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use condoms with confidence .

Anyone who is sexually active should be having a full sexual health care check-up, including but not limited to hiv testing, at least once a year and more often if unprotected intercourse occurs.

If you aren't already having regular, routine check-ups, now is the time to start. As long as you make sure condoms are being used for intercourse, you can fully expect your routine hiv tests to return with negative results.

Don't forget to always get checked for all the other sexually transmitted infections as well, because they are MUCH easier to transmit than hiv. Some of the other STIs can be present with no obvious symptoms, so the only way to know for sure is to test.

Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, and you will avoid hiv infection. It really is that simple! 

[JohnnyD]

Thanks Jeff for your answer.

The doctor told me PEP is not available in my country, not in my situation, it's only available for the government in case of "blood" transfer or something like that.

I tool the medicine in 30 hours. But I'm using these now: (these are not PEP right? these are used by people who are tested HIV positive).

http://www.inhousepharmacy.biz/p-639-lamivir-150-lamivudine.aspx

And

http://www.inhousepharmacy.biz/p-8-efavir-tablets-600mg.aspx

I take 3 pills per day.

Please advice what should I do.

[Jeff G]

The drugs that are used in Pep and PrEP are the same drugs used for people with HIV . You can find the drugs you are taking by going to this link ... http://www.aidsmeds.com/list.shtml
 
The drugs you are on are powerful medications from two classes for HIV meds and are effective as PEP, I cant tell you what to do, the decision is between you and your doctor whether you continue to take them or not.

[JohnnyD]

Oh, didn't know that!

Thank you Jeff. Then I guess I'll continue as only 2 weeks are left. I'll get the blood test tomorrow of my liver and etc..and see what happens

Thanks a lot

[Jeff G]

You are welcome !