Have You Been Exposed?
If you are exposed to HIV or may have been exposed through sexual assault or work accident, call the Petersen Clinics PEP Coordinator at 520-609-1219 right away.
Emergency HIV Protection
If you are exposed to HIV through sex, needle-sharing or a work accident, don’t panic. Medication is available to protect you from contracting the virus. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is an emergency prevention strategy for people who may have been exposed to the virus. When taken within 72 hours of exposure and as prescribed for 28 days, the medication is highly effective at preventing HIV infection from sex and/or needle-sharing. It must be started within 72 hours to be effective, and every hour counts.
If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, contact the Petersen Clinics PEP Coordinator at 520-609-1219, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. If you need assistance outside of these hours, please go to the Banner Emergency Department and request PEP.
Is PEP Right for You?
PEP is intended for emergency use only. Its purpose is to keep your body from becoming infected with HIV after an unintended exposure, such as:
- Sex with someone you didn’t know had HIV
- Condom broke during sex with a person you know to have HIV
- Sexual assault
- Needle-sharing with someone you didn’t know had HIV
- Accidental exposure at work, such as a nurse who gets punctured with a used needle
You May Qualify for PEP if:
- You are HIV negative or don't know your status
- You were exposed or had a possible exposure within the past 72 hours
- You have frequent exposure to HIV and want to transition to PrEP
PEP Is Not for You If:
- You already have tested HIV positive
- Your exposure to HIV was more than 72 hours ago
Where Can I Get PEP?
If you are exposed to HIV, call the Petersen Clinics PEP Coordinator at 520-609-1219, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. If you need assistance outside of these hours, please go to the Banner University Emergency Department (1625 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85724) or the Banner South Campus Emergency Department (2800 E. Ajo Way Tucson, AZ 85713). You can also contact the Pima County Health Department at 520-724-3995.
How Can I Pay for PEP?
PEP is FDA-approved and covered by most insurance plans as well as AHCCCS (Medicaid) and Medicare. If your plan does not cover PEP, you can’t afford the co-pay or do not have insurance, don’t let that stop you from getting the emergency care you need. The PEP Clinical Coordinator at Petersen Clinics can help you apply for assistance programs to cover the cost of the medication.
Don’t delay. PEP must be administered within 72 hours of exposure to be effective. Call our PEP Coordinator at 520-609-1219, or go to the emergency department right away if you may have been exposed to HIV. You will not be denied care because of inability to pay.