If you have had a high risk exposure within the last 72 hours (any unprotected anal or vaginal sex)

With a partner who is HIV positive

Or

Is in a HIV-risk group e.g.

• Men who have sex with Men
• Bisexual men
• IV drug users
• Sex workers
• Victim of rape
  

DSC clinic offers a 30-day oral antiretroviral drug regimen of Truvada (Emtricitabine 200mg, Tenofovir 300mg) for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in the management of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.. Rilpivirine or Dolutegravir may sometimes be combined with Truvada for a triple oral drug combination regimen.

The approximate cost of PEP treatment at the DSC Clinic ranges from $400-$800.​

Side effects of Truvada:

• Diarrhoea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach upset
• Headache
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Feeling tired or weak

Side effects of Rilpivirine:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach upset
• Headache
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Drowsiness

Side effects of Dolutegravir:

• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Headache
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Feeling tired or weak​

The following tests will be done at your first visit:

• HIV test
• Appropriate STI test as recommended by your doctor

Your doctor will advise you on the necessary follow up visits, but it is recommended that repeat HIV tests be done at 1 and 3 months, in addition to completing all other appropriate STI tests.
Baseline tests will detect any pre-existing abnormality before treatment and can be repeated when necessary.​

There is supportive evidence based on biologic possibility, animal & other studies that PEP can potentially decrease the risk of HIV acquisition if taken early enough. PEP is not given for exposures after 72 hours.

The treatment is not 100% effective and there have been cases of people who have still been infected with HIV despite receiving PEP.

PEP is not given to everyone because of the potential side-effects and also if the risk of the exposure is deemed to be extremely low (less than 1 in 10,000 chance) such that benefits of taking the medication outweigh the risks.

PEP is also not useful if you have had multiple high risk exposures over a prolonged period of time or continue to be at high risk for exposure. In such case, you may be more suitable for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxsis (PrEP), which is taken as a preventive daily medication. Please speak to your doctor to find out more.​

Safe sex is essential in preventing future exposures.

You can practice safer sex by:

1. Having one partner at a time
2. Using a condom for oral, vaginal or anal sex
3. Going for regular STI & HIV screening​

You can get PEP at the DSC Clinic during our operating hours.

Should you require PEP after our operating hours or over the weekends and the public holidays, you can head down to Tan Tock Seng Hospital A&E department.

For Occupational PEP, please proceed to the respective A&E department.