Post Exposure Prophylaxis

Now There is a Treatment that May Prevent HIV Infection after the Virus has Entered the Body

If you think you have been exposed to HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) may prevent you from becoming infected. Yomay have had some form of unprotected sex or shared a needle or syringe when injecting with a person who has HIV. Maybe you were involved in a workplace incident involving a blood spill.

When this happens, one option available is to take PEP.

More Information

PEP is a month-long course of medications for people who have been exposed to the HIV virus. To be most effective, they MUST be commenced within 72 hours of exposure. It is best to take PEP as early as possible after exposure. These drugs can have side effects for some people, like nausea and diarrhea.

You need to go to the Emergency Department at the hospital or to Clinic 34. A doctor will talk with you to ascertain how risky the event was before prescribing.

If you think you have been exposed to HIV, or think you need help, call us at NTAHC (Darwin 08 8944 7777 or Alice Springs 08 8953 3172).

What is PEP?

PEP is a month-long course of drugs that may prevent a person from becoming infected with HIV if they begin treatment within 72 hours of exposure to the virus.

PEP:

• is not the morning after pill: it is a month-long course of drugs
• can have temporary side-effects including nausea and diarrhea
• isn't guaranteed to work but does in the majority of cases

What are the most common reasons for needing PEP?

• Having sex without a condom with a person who has, or is at a high risk of having HIV
• Sharing needles or syringes with a person who has, or might have HIV
• Condom breaking or slipping off during sex with a partner who is at a high risk of having HIV

Where can I get PEP in the NT?

Emergency Departments at all NT hospitals or Clinic 34. Only a doctor can prescribe you PEP, and sometimes the Clinic’s might not have a doctor on the shift all day, so go to the Emergency Department first.

Hospitals in the NT

ROYAL DARWIN HOSPITAL
Rocklands Drive, Tiwi
ph: 08 8922 8888

ALICE SPRINGS HOSPITAL
Gap Road, Alice Springs, NT 0870
ph: 08 8951 7777

KATHERINE HOSPITAL
DHCS Katherine
Giles Street, Katherine
Ph: 08 8973 9211

TENNANT CREEK HOSPITAL
Schmidt Street, Tennant Creek NT 0860
Ph: 08 8962 4399

GOVE DISTRICT HOSPITAL
Mathew Flinders Way, Nhulunbuy, NT 0880
Ph: 08 8987 0211

Where are Clinic 34's in the NT?

CLINIC 34 DARWIN

87 Mitchell St, Darwin
P: (08) 8999 2678

Opening hours for appointments or walk-ins

Monday	8:30am - 3:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4.30pm 4.30pm - 6.00pm Appointments Only
Wednesday	10:30am - 3:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 3.30pm
Friday	8:30am - 3:00pm

CLINIC 34 ALICE SPRINGS

(08) 8951 7549
6 Gap Road, Alice Springs
(opposite Second Hand Shop)

Opening hours for appointments or walk-ins

Monday	8:30am - 4.00 pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4.00 pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 5.30 pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4.00 pm
Friday	8:30am - 4.00 pm

CLINIC 34 KATHERINE

(08) 8973 9049

Giles Street, Katherine
(located in Hospital Grounds)​

The clinic operates Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 4 pm.
While you can just walk in, it is advisable to telephone before attending.

CLINIC 34 TENANT CREEK

(08) 8962 4250
Cnr Windly & Schmidt Streets, Tennant Creek

While you can just walk in, it is advisable to telephone before attending

CLINIC 34 NHULUNBUY

Cnr Mathew Flinders Way & Chesterfield Cct, Nhulunbuy
P: (08) 8987 0357

The clinic operates Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 4 pm.While you can just walk in, it is advisable to telephone before attending.