*Time sensitive! Please respond!* Should I continue PEP?

[einefrage]

I had protected receptive anal sex with a man I met on craigslist almost 2 weeks ago. I asked him multiple times before we did this about his status, which he regularly reported as NEG. While we were about to climax, I asked to him pull out just to be safe. When he did, he whipped the condom off (in one strangely graceful motion) and shot on my stomach/crotch area. The problem comes in with the fact that I felt semen land on the outside of my anus after he started to orgasm. At first I didn't really think about it, but I then I remembered that anal sex can cause ruptures in the skin outside and around the anus, especially if one is not used to being the receiving partner. I asked him if he would mind getting another test, just to ease my mind. He seemed offended at the question and told me I was being paranoid and that nothing on the outside can hurt me. He has since stopped communication with me. The next day, I spoke to a doctor on my campus and asked for HIV PEP and she put me on a 2 a day prescription of Combivir. However, being that I don't have insurance, it has proven to be INCREDIBLY cost prohibitive. Futhermore, I'm suffering from all sorts of side effects (insomnia, nausea, some muscle weakness, etc...) and then I missed a dose when I ran out because I can't afford to fill it all at once. So my question is: is it reasonable or worthwhile to continue taking this medication? If you all think so, I'll go pick up another couple days worth of meds today and continue my regular schedule. If not, and I'm being a hypochondriac, please let me know because frankly, I'd like to sleep for more than 3 hours, and not feeling queasy all day long is sounding pretty good right now. Thanks in advance.

[Andy Velez]

Eine, you never needed PEP to begin with. Nothing you did put you at risk for HIV transmission. You used a condom for intercourse which is exactly what you're supposed to do. They provide very effective protection and as long as you use one then it doesn't matter if your partner is HIV+ or not.

The other guy was right about when he ejaculated on your stomach/crotch area. Even if some of the semen landed near your anus, that is still not a risk.

PEP is a very strong combo so often people have significant symptomatic responses to taking it. No, you don't need to continue it. You never needed it in the first place.

Keep using those condoms for intercourse. Without exception.

Cheers.

[einefrage]

Andy,

It's a personal rule: ALWAYS BE SAFE. My cousin died in the early 90's of AIDS. Remembering that is all the motivation I need.

Thanks for the words of wisdom and for replying. You just saved me $750 not to mention being able to work out without feeling like I'm gonna puke everywhere lol. 

[Andy Velez]

OK, glad the exchange was helpful to you.

Here's to pukeless workouts and always being safer with condoms. Good that you took the experience of your cousin's tragedy and have used it an as incentive to protect yourself.

Cheers.