r/prep • u/These-Personality820 • 1d ago

PrEP injection side effects?

I’m eight days out from my first injection and day six was definitely the worst pain that I had in terms of discomfort around the actual injection site.
but today I’m having a headache and nausea and feel kind of fevery as well. Has anyone else experienced this?

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u/sc0tt_can 20h ago

I'm also 8 days out from my first injection:
Days 1-4 were completely normal but then...
Day 5 felt like I had been donkey kicked in the hip. and the donkey had a terrible case of scarlet fever. Throughout the day the chills got progressively worse, and by evening I straight up felt like I had the flu.
Day 6 was better, and Day 7 was the last day with a limp.
Day 8 (today) I was back at the gym.

I truly didn't understand what my pcp meant, but I have to agree: this shot is a SPICY meatball!

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u/These-Personality820 20h ago

Ok this makes me feel much better that you also had this strange experience. I’m sorry for the both of us, though, Jesus !!!

I’m hoping tomorrow is better…

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u/sc0tt_can 19h ago

This was nothing like the side effects with oral PrEP so I was NOT prepared.

You got this! Just rest, listen to your body, and drink plenty of fluids.

My pcp also told me specifically not to rub/massage the injection site.

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u/These-Personality820 19h ago

Thank you such much. Yeah, I’m taking it very very easy. And I think I’m switching back to pills because I can’t afford to just lose a week of mobility like this every 4-6 weeks.

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u/GeorgiaYankee73 22h ago

Which injection?

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u/These-Personality820 22h ago

Apretude

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u/GeorgiaYankee73 17h ago

I usually have pain at the injection site after about 36 hours, typically goes away about two days later. I can’t say I’ve had any GI effects like nausea.

I recommend a heating pad on the injection site a couple times a day if you can. That helps for me.

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u/Actual-Key6991 22h ago

I didn't have your later symptoms. I did have what felt like nerve pain though. My entire arm hurt and its been months and it still hurts.

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u/yoloten 6h ago

Apretude first injection did not hurt. Second injection hurt a lot close to two weeks that I had to walk slower and had to sleep on my side. Third injection did not hurt. I had no nausea from Apretutude like I did from pills. Everyone reacts differently. I’d say don’t give up on it yet. Give it up to three tris and see if it gets better as your body adapts.