Ministry of Health updates recommendations on PEP prophylaxis

I Ministry of Health launched in August the updated version of the PCDT (Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines) for PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) – medical treatment used to prevent infection by HIV, viral hepatitis and other sexually transmitted infections.

Among the main updates to the protocol are the expansion of the use of dolutegravir 50 mg for pregnant women at any gestational age and all people with the potential to become pregnant, the inclusion of dolutegravir 5 mg dispersible tablet for PEP in children weighing 3 kg or more and over 4 weeks of age, and the change in the antiretroviral regimen for second-line PEP, with the inclusion of darunavir 800 mg associated with ritonavir.

Dathi’s deputy director, Artur Kalichman, celebrates the publication. “Our goal is to expand access to PEP, one of the available Combined Prevention technologies”he says. “Therefore, we have the opportunity to contribute to the line of care for people exposed to STIs, HIV, syphilis and viral hepatitis”.

The updated version of the PCDT for PEP was produced with the support of Secretariat of Science, Technology, Innovation and Health Complex (Sectics) and the Technical Advisory Committee on Post-Exposure Prophylaxis.

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

PEP involves the use of medications to reduce the risk of infection. PEP for HIV must be started within 72 hours of exposure and should be continued for 28 days.

Available in the SUS since 1999, prophylaxis is part of the set of Combined Prevention strategies, the objective of which is to expand the forms of intervention to prevent new infections by HIV, viral hepatitis B and C and other STIs.

PEP is indicated for cases of sexual violence, consensual sexual intercourse without the use of a condom or with its rupture and occupational accidents (with sharp instruments or direct contact with biological material).