HIV Immediate Exposure Reference Guide
For individuals that may have had a recent exposure to HIV
PEP: Post Exposure Prophylaxis
Exposure to HIV is a Medical Emergency
Medicines are available that can PREVENT HIV Transmission
There is a 72 Hour MAXIMUM window from the time of exposure to when a person MUST start the 28 days of the prescribed medicine.
What to do if you feel you may have had an exposure to HIV?
Seek IMMEDIATE Treatment between hour 0 and hour 72 from time of exposure.
Information is Key
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Does your partner know their HIV Status?
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When was your partner last tested for HIV or STI’s?
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If your Partner is living with HIV, are they “Undetectable”?
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Is your Partner on PrEP?
Talk to a PEP / PrEP Navigator
Cempa has a 24/7 hotline for this purpose. Someone will contact you within 6 hours of your call, if the call is not answered immediately.
Contact Mario Forte at 423.226.1115 or mforte@cempa.org to speak with a PrEP / PEP Navigator.
Note the Time & Date of Exposure
If 72 hours or longer has passed, PEP treatment is NOT an option.
Beginning PEP treatment closer to the time of exposure is optimum for success.
As hours pass from time of exposure, this decreases the chance of success.
Know how many hours have passed since time of exposure.
Talk to a PEP / PrEP Navigator about your exposure as soon as possible. They are able to guide you through the entire process with the goal for you to be taking PEP treatment medication within 72 hours of the exposure.
HIV Exposure can be treated at Cempa Community Care’s Clinic
State that you are seeking immediate PEP treatment
1000 E. 3rd St, Suite 300 | Chattanooga, TN 37403
Monday – Thursday 8:00a – 5:00p
Friday 8:00a – 2:00p
Call 423.226.1115 for After Hours Assistance
You may also go to an Emergency Room OR Urgent Care Facility for PEP Treatment.*
*Not all ERs are familiar with PEP and may try to send you to the Health Department. The Health Department does NOT treat or prescribe PEP.
If you are located in Chattanooga, TN, recommended ER’s include Erlanger or Memorial Hospitals in Downtown Chattanooga.
PEP Protocol: What to Expect
1. Clients are examined and given an HIV Test. PEP initiation should take place immediately, and can be discontinued if you are later determined to already be living with HIV
2. STI Testing may be determined as necessary upon evaluation.
3. Clients are provided a 28-day prescription of a 3-drug antiretroviral regimen.
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For Women of childbearing age, the CDC recommends Truvada & Isentress
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For all other genders, the CDC recommends Truvada & Tivicay
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Take the complete 28-day course of medication, as prescribed. PEP Medications are considered safe. Most common side effects are headache and diarrhea.
4. A Follow Up Appointment is required two weeks after completing the 28 Days of PEP Treatment for an HIV test that can be administered at the clinic or agency that treated for PEP.
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The HIV Test administered will determine your HIV Status.
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If you test negative the provider may initiate a discussion as to whether you would like to continue on PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) for long term HIV Prevention Treatment.
Recommended Pharmacies - Chattanooga, TN
Cempa Community Care Pharmacy | 423.541.9450 | 1000 E 3rd St
Walgreens Center of Excellence | 423.752.8104 | 110 N Market St
Walgreens Center of Excellence | 423.662.7520 | 3605 Brainerd Rd
CVS Pharmacy | 423.713.9453 | 979 E 3rd St Inside Erlanger Hospital
NOT all local pharmacies have PEP medicines IN STOCK. It is advised to call the pharmacy first.
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Time is critical (note how many hours have past from your time of exposure), if a pharmacy has to order the medicines, this may not suffice. Call another pharmacy.
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The fewer hours that have passed from the time of exposure, the better chance for PEP treatment will be successful.
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PEP Treatment will not work after 72 hours following HIV exposure.
Prescription Copay Assistance is available if insurance does not cover the medication at 100%. These medicines should be provided free of charge to victims of rape, or sexual assault and to the uninsured.
