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Urgent · 72-hour window

PEP in Singapore

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 does not provide PEP. This page explains what PEP is and where to get it in Singapore.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Qiao Yufei, MD · MBBS · Last reviewed 24 June 2026

  • Window72 hoursfrom exposure
  • Course28 daysdaily antiretrovirals
  • AccessHospital A&E24 hours, walk-in
  • AlsoDSC ClinicMon-Fri, sexual-health specialist
PEP EligibilityQuick check
  • Exposure within the last 72 hours
  • Sexual contact, needle stick, or other risk event
  • Source HIV status unknown or positive
  • You are currently HIV-negative

All four apply? Go to a hospital A&E or the DSC Clinic immediately.Any 24-hour A&E in Singapore can initiate PEP. See the referral providers below.

Educational tool · Not a diagnosis

PEP is a time-critical service. Mediway does not provide it.

If you may have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, do not wait. PEP must be started as soon as possible, and after 72 hours it no longer works.

The fastest and most reliable route in Singapore is a hospital Accident & Emergency (A&E) department, which is open 24 hours and can start PEP the same visit. For planned or business-hours access, the DSC Clinic is Singapore's public sexual-health clinic.

Where to get PEP in Singapore

These are the standard routes to access PEP in Singapore. In an urgent situation, a hospital A&E is the fastest option because it is open 24 hours.

Fastest · 24/7

Hospital Accident & Emergency

Any 24-hour public or private hospital A&E can initiate PEP. Recommended when you cannot wait for clinic hours, or after 5pm, weekends, or public holidays.

Public hospital A&Es: Singapore General Hospital, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, National University Hospital, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Changi General Hospital, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Sengkang General Hospital. Private hospital A&Es: Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles, Raffles Hospital, Parkway East and others.

Specialist · Office hours

DSC Clinic

Singapore's public sexual-health clinic (under National Skin Centre / NCID). Offers PEP by walk-in or appointment during clinic hours. Best for planned access within business hours.

Address: 31 Kelantan Lane, Singapore 200031
Phone: +65 6293 9648
Website: nsc.com.sg/dsc

Specialist · Referral

Infectious Disease specialists

Private ID specialist clinics also prescribe PEP by appointment. Useful if you have an existing ID specialist or your GP refers you. Availability and pricing vary between providers.

How to find one: Ask your GP for a referral to an ID specialist, or search the Singapore Medical Council register.
Emergency (immediate risk): Dial 995 for an ambulance.

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.

  1. Within 2 hours

    Optimal

    Maximum effectiveness. Go directly to a hospital A&E if you can.

  2. 2 to 48 hours

    Highly effective

    Still strong protection. Attend a hospital A&E or the DSC Clinic urgently.

  3. 48 to 72 hours

    Last window

    Effectiveness reduced but still worth starting. After 72 hours, PEP no longer works, so plan HIV 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

An A&E doctor or the DSC Clinic will assess your specific exposure and confirm whether PEP is appropriate. Not every potential exposure requires PEP.

PEP medications

PEP is a 3-drug antiretroviral combination taken for 28 days.

Typical regimen in Singapore

  • 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). The prescribing 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. If you miss a dose, contact the clinic that prescribed the course for guidance.

Side effects

Most common (first 1-2 weeks, usually improves as the body adjusts):

  • Nausea, mild stomach discomfort
  • Fatigue, headache
  • Loose stools

If side effects are severe or don't improve, contact the prescribing clinic. Do not stop PEP on your own.

Frequently asked questions

01Does Mediway provide PEP?

No. Mediway does not provide PEP. Because PEP is a time-critical, 24-hour service, we refer patients directly to a hospital Accident & Emergency (A&E) department or to the DSC Clinic. For a broader view of HIV prevention and testing available at Mediway, see our HIV guide and HIV testing page.

02Where do I go for PEP in Singapore right now?

Go to any 24-hour hospital Accident & Emergency (A&E) department. Public options include Singapore General Hospital, Tan Tock Seng, National University Hospital, Khoo Teck Puat, Changi General, Ng Teng Fong, and Sengkang General. Private A&Es include Mount Elizabeth, Gleneagles, Raffles Hospital and Parkway East. If it is within DSC Clinic hours (Mon-Fri), the DSC Clinic is also an option.

03When does PEP need to be started?

PEP must be started within 72 hours of potential HIV exposure, and the earlier the better. Optimal within 2 hours. After 72 hours, PEP is no longer effective and you should plan regular HIV testing at 6 weeks and 3 months post-exposure instead.

04What medications are in PEP?

PEP is a 3-drug antiretroviral combination taken for 28 days. Typical regimen in Singapore: Truvada (tenofovir + emtricitabine, TDF-FTC) plus a third drug, either raltegravir (Isentress) or dolutegravir (Tivicay). The prescribing doctor selects the specific third drug based on clinical assessment.

05Does PEP have side effects?

Some people experience nausea, fatigue, headache, or stomach discomfort in the first 1-2 weeks. Most side effects improve as the body adjusts. Severe side effects are rare. The prescribing clinic will typically check in during the course and can adjust the regimen if needed.

06Will I need follow-up tests after PEP?

Yes. HIV testing at Day 28 (end of course) and again at 3 months post-exposure to confirm you remain HIV-negative. Additional STI testing is recommended at the same time. Mediway can arrange follow-up HIV and STI testing after your PEP course; see our HIV testing page.

07Can Mediway help after I have completed a PEP course elsewhere?

Yes. After a PEP course has been prescribed by a hospital or specialist, Mediway can support your ongoing care, including HIV and STI follow-up testing at Day 28 and 3 months. See our HIV testing page and STD testing page.

08What if it has been more than 72 hours since exposure?

PEP no longer works beyond 72 hours. Instead, plan HIV testing at 6 weeks and again at 3 months post-exposure to confirm your status. Mediway offers HIV and STI testing; see our HIV testing page.

Directions

Located in central Singapore, just a 2-minute walk from Clarke Quay MRT.

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

Mon–Fri 7:30am–6pm · Sat 7:30am–1pm

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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