PEP in Singapore : within 72 hours of exposure
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a 28-day emergency antiretroviral course that prevents HIV infection after a potential exposure. It must be started within 72 hours of exposure, and the earlier the better. Mediway Medical Centre provides PEP at our clinic at The Riverwalk with walk-in access during clinic hours and after-hours WhatsApp support for urgent slots.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Qiao Yufei, MD
If you were exposed to HIV, start PEP within 72 hours
PEP must be started within 72 hours of exposure. The sooner you start, the more effective it is. After 72 hours, PEP no longer works.
During clinic hours (Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm, Sat 7:30am-1pm): walk in anytime, with no appointment needed for PEP urgency.
After-hours, Sunday, or public holidays: WhatsApp or call us immediately. We can arrange an urgent Saturday slot or advise you on alternative access (24-hour A&E, DSC Clinic).
from exposure
daily antiretrovirals
depending on regimen
initial + follow-up
during clinic hours
+65 8779 9898
What is PEP?
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an emergency course of antiretroviral medication taken AFTER a potential HIV exposure to prevent infection. It's a 3-drug combination taken for 28 days, starting ideally within 2 hours of exposure and no later than 72 hours.
PEP works by preventing HIV from establishing itself in your cells during the window when the virus is still vulnerable. Effectiveness drops sharply with delay: starting at 24 hours is ideal; at 48 hours is still effective; at 72 hours is the outer limit.
For a broader view of HIV prevention including PrEP (daily preventive medication), see our HIV guide.
The 72-hour timeline
Time matters. PEP effectiveness decreases with every hour of delay.
Optimal
Maximum effectiveness. If you can get to a clinic immediately, do so. Walk in or call.
Highly effective
Still strong protection. Contact us urgently: walk in during clinic hours or WhatsApp after-hours.
Last window
Effectiveness reduced but still worth starting. After 72 hours, PEP no longer works, so consider testing and follow-up instead.
When to consider PEP
PEP is typically considered after the following potential exposures:
- Unprotected sex with a partner whose HIV status is unknown or positive (especially anal sex, which carries the highest per-act transmission risk)
- Condom breakage or slippage during sex with a known HIV-positive partner not on suppressive ART
- Sexual assault where HIV exposure is possible
- Needle-stick injury from a potentially contaminated needle (healthcare worker or otherwise)
- Shared injecting equipment with someone of unknown or HIV-positive status
Our doctor will assess your specific exposure during consultation and confirm whether PEP is appropriate. Not every potential exposure requires PEP, and we'll help you decide.
PEP medications
PEP is a 3-drug antiretroviral combination taken for 28 days.
Standard regimen at Mediway:
- Backbone: Truvada (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate + emtricitabine, TDF-FTC), the same medication used in PrEP, taken once daily
- Third drug: Either raltegravir (Isentress, typically twice daily) OR dolutegravir (Tivicay, once daily). Our doctor selects based on your clinical profile and drug-interaction considerations
The full 28-day course must be completed exactly as prescribed. Missing doses reduces effectiveness, so if you miss a dose, contact us immediately for guidance.
Side effects
Most common (first 1-2 weeks, usually improves as your body adjusts):
- Nausea, mild stomach discomfort
- Fatigue, headache
- Loose stools
If side effects are severe or don't improve, contact us. We can sometimes switch the third drug if needed. Don't stop PEP on your own.
Pricing
Transparent pricing. PEP medication billed at cost; consultation separate.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| PEP 28-day medication course (3-drug combination) | $600 – $1,200 |
| Initial urgent consultation (risk assessment + prescription) | $38 |
| Day-28 follow-up consultation | $38 |
| Baseline tests (HIV, hepatitis B, kidney function, STI panel) | Standard rates |
| Day-28 + 3-month follow-up HIV tests | Standard rates |
Medication price varies with the specific regimen prescribed. All prices inclusive of GST. We'll quote the exact medication cost at consultation before you commit.
What to expect at your visit
Arrive
Walk in during clinic hours or arrive for urgent slot (arranged via WhatsApp). Tell reception it's PEP urgent.
Urgent consultation
Doctor assesses exposure (timing, type, partner status), confirms PEP suitability, selects regimen.
Baseline tests + prescription
HIV, hepatitis B, kidney function, STI tests taken on-site. PEP prescription dispensed immediately, so you can start today.
Follow-up
Day-14 check-in (side effects), Day-28 HIV repeat test, Month-3 final HIV test to confirm negative.
Your privacy, fully protected
PEP visits are sensitive. Privacy is protected end-to-end.
- Discreet clinic locationBasement level of The Riverwalk, not a street-front storefront. Enter and exit through a regular office building.
- No records shared by defaultPEP prescription and follow-up are not shared with MOH, insurers, or employers unless you request it.
- Self-pay optionPay privately to keep the visit entirely outside insurance systems.
- Digital communicationResults and reminders via phone, WhatsApp, or secure email, whichever you prefer.
- PDPA-compliant handlingAll personal and medical data managed per Singapore's Personal Data Protection Act. See our full Privacy Policy.
Frequently asked questions
How much does PEP cost at Mediway?
When does PEP need to be started?
Can I walk in for PEP?
What if I need PEP after-hours, on Sunday, or on a public holiday?
What medications are in PEP?
Does PEP have side effects?
Will I need follow-up tests after PEP?
Can I use insurance for PEP?
Directions to our clinic
Mediway Medical Centre
20 Upper Circular Road, #B1-26/29 The Riverwalk, Singapore 058416
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE5), Exit E (3 min walk)
Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30am–6pm · Sat 7:30am–1pm · Closed Sun & PH
Phone: +65 6909 0190
WhatsApp: +65 8779 9898