By For years, Singaporeans have flocked to Bangkok to get their hands on PrEP, unaware that PrEP is actually readily available in Singapore!
We partnered up with Gayhealth.sg and spoke to a Senior Consultant PrEP provider in public service to put together this comprehensive guide on where and how to get PrEP in Singapore.
Dear Straight People,
PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) is an umbrella term for any drug that stops HIV from multiplying and infecting you.
In layman terms, people take PrEP to prevent themselves from getting HIV. It’s estimated that the daily consumption of PrEP reduces the risk of HIV infection by more than 90 percent.
There are two primary methods of taking PrEP.
- The first way is to take it on a daily basis at around the same time every day. When you take PrEP every day, your chance of HIV infection drops by more than 90 percent.
- The second way is known as the on-demand method. Popularly known as the ‘2-1-1’ schedule, this method requires you to take 2 pills 2 to 24 hours before sex, 1 pill 24 hours after the first dose, and 1 pill 24 hours after the second dose.
- Note that the on-demand method only works for MSM (men who have sex with men).
Regardless of which method you opt for, make sure to get tested for HIV every three months. Even with PrEP, there’s still a chance you could become infected.
Contrary to popular belief, it is still strongly recommended that you use a condom during sex even when you’re on PrEP. While PrEP protects you from HIV infection, it doesn’t protect you from other forms of STI and STDs.
Process Of Obtaining PrEP In Singapore
When it comes to obtaining PrEP in Singapore, there are two primary options. You can either see a doctor from government healthcare providers or consult with a private GP with expertise on sexual health matters
Regardless of which option you opt for, you will be required to go through the following steps.
Step 1: Take A HIV Test
During your first visit with your PrEP doctor, you will be required to take a 4th generation HIV test (either conventional HIV EIA or rapid blood test).
If there was recent high-risk exposure, you would be advised against a rapid test as these are less sensitive than a conventional EIA. If you have high-risk exposure in the last 4 weeks, you would be strongly advised to repeat HIV test after 4 weeks
Step 2: Take Other Tests
Next, your doctor will get you to take tests which check your kidney function, alongside syphilis, HBV, HCV, gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Step 3: Get A Prescription
Once you have cleared all the tests, your doctor would be able to write you a prescription for PrEP, which is valid for 3 months.
With the prescription in hand, you can purchase PrEP from the pharmacy located at the government healthcare providers, or get them online from government approved retailers
Where To Get PrEP In Singapore
Please note that generic PrEP is not sold at the pharmacies of the following clinics (DSC/NCID/NUH).
However, you can still buy generic PrEP online with a valid prescription though there will be shipping costs incurred.
DSC Clinic
Popularly known as the DSC Clinic, the Department of Sexually Transmitted Infections Control Clinic is a popular choice for many.
Cost: $100 to $200 per visit. The cost of Truvada at the pharmacies would cost about $300 to $400 per bottle (30 pills).
Operating Hours
Mondays to Fridays: 8am to 11am, 1pm to 4pm
Saturdays and Sundays: Closed
Tel : 6293 9648
Email enquiry and appointment : apptdsc@nsc.com.sg
Address: 31 Kelantan Lane, Singapore 200031
National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID)
Open from Monday to Friday, the PrEP Care Clinic at NCID offers a comprehensive range of HIV and STI related services.
Cost: $100 to $200 per visit. The cost of Truvada at the pharmacies would cost about $300 to $400 per bottle (30 pills).
Operating Hours
Mondays to Fridays: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Saturdays: 8:00am to 12:00pm
Sundays and Public Holidays: Closed
Tel: 6357-7000
Email: prepcare@ttsh.com.sg
Address: Clinic J. Level 1 National Centre for Infectious Diseases
16 Jalan Tan Tock Seng Singapore 308442
National University Hospital (NUH)
Started in 2016, the Be PrEP clinic at NUH prides itself as a ‘confidential, holistic service that covers specialist expertise in Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV prevention’.
Not only does the Be PrEP clinic provide PrEP, they also offer counseling services.
Cost: $100 to $200 per visit. The cost of Truvada at the pharmacies would cost about $300 to $400 per bottle (30 pills).
Address: 5 Lower Kent Ridge Rd, Singapore 119074
Tel: 9186-2301
Email enquiry and appointment: bpc@nuhs.edu.sg
FAQ
1. Would it be possible for foreigners/tourists to obtain PrEP in Singapore?
Yes, anyone with a valid prescription can get PrEP in Singapore.
Do note that for online sellers, it may take some time for the shipment to arrive. Foreigners and tourists can also seek PrEP consultations from PrEP prescribers to get access to PrEP.
2. Is it possible to get it anonymously?
As PrEP is a controlled drug in Singapore, it is not possible to get it anonymously. Those who want to buy PrEP will need to show a valid prescription that carries their name.
3. Can I get tested for HIV anonymously?
Yes! AFA (Action For AIDS) regularly conducts anonymous HIV testing. You can find out more about their anonymous testing service here: https://afa.org.sg/whatwedo/support/ats/
4. What brands of PrEP would you recommend to get in Singapore?
When buying generic PrEP online, ensure that they are from government approved sellers and legitimate sources.
Those who are taking *on demand PrEP should be taking Truvada or its generic version. Other types of PrEP like Descovy (emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide) are not yet proven to work if taken on demand.
LEARN ABOUT PREP IN SINGAPORE
Gayhealth.sg, a programme within AFA (Action For AIDS), aims to end HIV in Singapore by 2030.
One way to achieve that goal is to get as many people on PrEP as possible. This means increasing awareness for PrEP and making PrEP as accessible as possible in Singapore.
Gayhealth.sg will actually be conducting a PrEP workshop on 11 June from 10am to 12pm as part of Pink Fest.
This workshop looks to provide participants with knowledge on everything PrEP related. Held at the Action For AIDS office, workshop participants may also get the opportunity to take part in a year-long study where they will receive subsidised PrEP medication and consultations.
Sign up for the workshop for free here: http://tinyurl.com/GHSGworkshop1
Do also check out their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with the latest PrEP related news in Singapore.
This post was brought to you by Gayhealth.sg.