PEP

What it is, and how to get it in Singapore.

🚨 PEP - Only for emergency situations

In Singapore, PEP is a 30-day course of antiretroviral treatment to reduce the chance of HIV taking hold of the body after exposure through sexual activity.

PEP must be initiated within 72 hours of exposure — the sooner, the better
PEP is not 100% effective, but it significantly reduces the possibility of transmission by 81%.

💊 Take PEP if:

You’ve had sex* without a condom with a person living with HIV who is undiagnosed, not on HIV treatment, or has a detectable viral load**
The condom broke or slipped off during sex
You have suffered from penetrative sexual assault

*Note: Not all sexual acts carry the same possibility of HIV transmission. To be safe, you can speak to the doctor in the DSC clinic or in Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s A&E department to understand the chances of HIV transmission in your case.

**Note: If the person living with HIV has an undetectable viral load, you do not need PEP as there is a 0% chance of HIV transmission during sex.

👉 Getting PEP

Weekday (Mon - Fri)

Call the DSC clinic (6293 9648), mention that it is an emergency and ask if they can see you on the day itself.
Explain your possible exposure to an HIV transmission and get the full course from the DSC clinic.
If the DSC clinic cannot see you immediately for any reason, then head over to Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s A&E department and follow the same steps below.

Weekend or Public Holiday

DO NOT WAIT till the next working day, it is crucial to start PEP as soon as possible.

Visit Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s A&E department and request for PEP.
Explain your possible exposure to an HIV transmission and follow the doctor’s instructions.
Only ask for a 2 to 3 day supply of the medication, otherwise it will be very expensive. Take the medication immediately.
Make an appointment with the DSC clinic when it reopens and get the rest of the medication.

⚠️ Other things to know

PEP may interact with other medications that you are taking, so let the doctor know if you are taking any other medications.
There may be side effects from taking PEP.
It is not recommended to repeatedly take PEP as it impacts liver and kidney function over time. If you are at higher risk of HIV transmission, consider taking PrEP as a safer option.
Once you get PEP, you should repeat HIV tests after 1 month and 3 months. A conclusive result will only be given after 3 months.

More resources

PrEP

PrEP is an HIV-preventive drug usually taken before sex. This is the one you take during non-emergency situations, or if you are having sex with an HIV+ partner.

LEARN MORE