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PrEP in Singapore

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a daily or on-demand medication that prevents HIV infection. Over 99% effective when taken correctly. This page is a general guide to what PrEP is, who it is for, the regimens available, and what to expect from the monitoring schedule.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Qiao Yufei, MD · MBBS · Last reviewed 28 April 2026

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PrEP Pathway4 Steps
  1. BaselineHIV-negative test required first
  2. PrescribeDoctor reviews risk & prescribes
  3. StartDaily or on-demand (2-1-1) regimen
  4. MonitorEvery 3 months: HIV test + renal function

Daily or on-demandFrom $100/mo

Where to access PrEP in Singapore

PrEP is offered as a service at Mediway Medical Centre. If you are looking to start PrEP, the options below are available in Singapore.

Specialist clinic

DSC Clinic

Run by the National Skin Centre / MOH. The main public-sector PrEP service in Singapore. Prescribes and monitors daily and on-demand PrEP.

Visit dsc.sg

At Mediway

HIV Testing

You will need a negative HIV test before starting PrEP. We offer 4 HIV test panels from $30 at our clinic at The Riverwalk.

View HIV tests

Referral guide

PEP (Emergency)

If you have already been exposed within the last 72 hours, PEP is the option. Mediway does not provide PEP: access it via a hospital A&E (24/7) or the DSC Clinic.

Read the PEP guide

What is PrEP?

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is medication taken by HIV-negative people to prevent HIV infection BEFORE potential exposure. When taken correctly, PrEP reduces the risk of sexually transmitted HIV by over 99%.

It works by maintaining a protective level of antiretroviral medication in your system, so if you're exposed to HIV, the virus cannot establish infection in your cells. PrEP is one of the most effective HIV prevention tools available today.

For a broader overview of HIV (symptoms, testing, transmission, treatment) see our HIV guide.

Who should consider PrEP?

PrEP is recommended for HIV-negative people with ongoing or increased risk of HIV exposure.

PrEP is typically considered if you
  • Have a sexual partner who is HIV-positive (and not on suppressive ART)
  • Have multiple sexual partners and inconsistent condom use
  • Are a man who has sex with men (MSM)
  • Are a transgender person at risk of HIV exposure
  • Use injecting drugs with shared equipment
  • Engage in commercial sex work
  • Have been diagnosed with an STI in the past 6 months (indicates higher-risk sexual context)
  • Have used PEP multiple times in the past 12 months

Even if you don't fit a specific risk category, PrEP may still be right for you. A PrEP-prescribing doctor will assess your situation at the initial consultation and help you decide.

PrEP regimens: daily or on-demand

Two ways to take PrEP. Both are highly effective when taken correctly.

Daily PrEP

Most commonworks for everyone

One pill, every day, at the same time. Builds and maintains protection continuously. Takes 7 days (for anal sex) or 21 days (for vaginal sex / injection drug use) to reach full protection after starting.

  • How: 1 tablet of Truvada or Descovy, taken daily with or without food. Maintain until you no longer need protection, then stop under medical guidance (do not stop abruptly).
  • Suitable for: Men, women, transgender individuals, anyone at ongoing HIV risk.

On-demand (2-1-1) PrEP

Event-drivenMSM only

Take pills only around specific sexual encounters. Cheaper because you take fewer pills overall, but requires planning ahead (2+ hours before sex).

  • How: 2 tablets 2 to 24 hours BEFORE sex, then 1 tablet 24 hours after the first dose, then 1 tablet 48 hours after the first dose. Uses Truvada only (not Descovy).
  • Suitable for: Men who have sex with men (MSM) only. Not recommended for women, trans women, or people who inject drugs; those groups need daily PrEP.

A PrEP-prescribing doctor will recommend the right regimen based on your sexual-health profile, preferences, and lifestyle at your initial consultation.

PrEP medications

Two medication options are commonly used for PrEP in Singapore. Both are highly effective; the choice depends on the patient's health profile.

Truvada

Generic tenofovir disoproxil fumarate + emtricitabine (TDF-FTC)

  • First-line PrEP for most patients
  • Extensively studied since 2012; strong long-term safety data
  • Compatible with both daily and on-demand (2-1-1) regimens
  • Rare side effects: small kidney function changes, slight bone density reduction (both monitored quarterly)

Descovy

Branded tenofovir alafenamide + emtricitabine (TAF-FTC)

  • Alternative PrEP for patients who need a gentler kidney/bone profile
  • Recommended if you have pre-existing kidney issues or osteoporosis risk
  • Daily PrEP only (not approved for on-demand use)
  • Not approved for HIV-prevention in people assigned female at birth
  • Clinical effectiveness is equivalent to Truvada for appropriate patients

Which one is typically used? Most patients start on generic Truvada. Descovy is prescribed when clinically indicated, typically for those with reduced kidney function or osteoporosis concerns. The prescribing doctor will recommend an option based on baseline test results.

What to expect when starting PrEP

Starting PrEP at any clinic typically follows this 4-step pathway.

  1. Initial consultation

    Discuss sexual health history, risk profile, and preferences. The doctor confirms PrEP suitability and which regimen fits.

  2. Baseline tests

    HIV (must be negative), hepatitis B, kidney function, STI screening. Results typically in 1–5 working days.

  3. Prescription

    Once baseline tests are clear, the doctor issues the PrEP prescription. Take as directed (daily or 2-1-1).

  4. Quarterly follow-up

    Follow-up consultation plus monitoring tests every 3 months for as long as PrEP is taken.

Monitoring schedule

Safe PrEP use requires regular monitoring. The schedule below is standard international practice.

  1. Baseline (before starting)HIV, hepatitis B, kidney function (creatinine), STI screen
  2. Every 3 months (while on PrEP)HIV, kidney function, STI screen
  3. Every 6 monthsHepatitis B status, additional lipid panel (if on Descovy)
  4. When stopping PrEPHIV test at stop date + 4 weeks after (to confirm seroconversion window is clear)

If any baseline or quarterly test comes back abnormal, the prescribing doctor will advise next steps. In rare cases, the regimen may be paused or switched.

Side effects and safety

PrEP medications have been used globally since 2012 with strong long-term safety data. Most people tolerate them well.

Common mild side effects (first 1-4 weeks)

  • Nausea, mild stomach upset
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • These usually improve within 2-4 weeks. If they persist, follow up with the prescribing clinic.

Rare long-term concerns (monitored quarterly)

  • Small changes in kidney function, detected early with blood tests
  • Slight reduction in bone mineral density (Truvada); Descovy has a better profile here
  • Both are reversible if PrEP is stopped or switched

These are tracked at every quarterly visit. If concerning changes appear, the prescribing doctor can adjust the regimen.

Frequently asked questions

01Where can I get PrEP in Singapore?

PrEP is offered at Mediway Medical Centre; PEP is not. In Singapore, PrEP is also prescribed and monitored at the DSC Clinic (a public-sector sexual-health clinic under MOH) and at various private infectious-disease specialist clinics. PEP is available 24/7 at any hospital A&E and at the DSC Clinic during business hours. Mediway does provide HIV testing; see our HIV testing page and our PEP guide for details on where to access PEP.

02What's the difference between daily and on-demand (2-1-1) PrEP?

Daily PrEP: one pill every day. Works for everyone: men, women, trans individuals. On-demand (2-1-1): only for men who have sex with men (MSM). Take 2 pills 2-24 hours before sex, 1 pill 24 hours after, 1 pill 48 hours after. On-demand uses fewer pills overall, so it is typically less costly than daily dosing.

03Which is better: Truvada or Descovy?

Both are highly effective. Truvada (generic) is the first-line choice for most people. Descovy (branded) has a better kidney and bone-density profile and may be preferred for those with pre-existing kidney issues or osteoporosis risk. The prescribing doctor recommends an option based on baseline health and tests.

04Do I need baseline tests before starting PrEP?

Yes. Baseline tests include HIV (to confirm negative status before starting), hepatitis B, kidney function (creatinine), and STI screening. These are standard pre-PrEP investigations done by any PrEP-prescribing clinic.

05How often do I need follow-up tests?

Every 3 months. Quarterly monitoring includes HIV testing, kidney function, and STI screening, alongside a follow-up consultation with the prescribing doctor.

06Is PrEP safe long-term?

Yes. PrEP has been used globally since 2012 with strong long-term safety data. Rare side effects include small kidney function changes and slight bone density reduction, both monitored quarterly and reversible if PrEP is stopped or switched.

07Will my insurance or employer know I'm on PrEP?

Not by default. PrEP prescriptions and monitoring records are private medical information and are not shared with insurers or employers unless you specifically request it. Self-pay is typically available at PrEP-prescribing clinics, which keeps the service entirely outside insurance systems. Note: if HIV infection is detected on routine monitoring, confirmed HIV-positive diagnoses are reported to MOH under Singapore's Infectious Diseases Act: a legal requirement separate from insurance disclosure.

08Can I stop and restart PrEP?

Yes, under medical guidance. Stopping and restarting requires retesting for HIV and re-initiation protocols to ensure the medication is effective. Don't self-manage start/stop without consulting the prescribing doctor; tapering and confirming HIV-negative status matter.

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20 Upper Circular Rd, #B1-26/29 The Riverwalk, Singapore 058416

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Clarke Quay Station (NE5)

Exit E. 2-minute walk along the river towards The Riverwalk building. We are at #B1-26/29.

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