Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a crucial antiretroviral treatment designed to prevent HIV infection after potential exposure. It is essential to start HIV PEP treatment in Singapore as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours, as its effectiveness diminishes with time. PEP is typically recommended in emergency situations such as unprotected sex with a partner of unknown HIV status, a condom breaking, sharing needles, or occupational exposures like needle-stick injuries.
PEP HIV treatment is readily available in Singapore to help reduce the risk of infection in these scenarios.
PEP treatment typically lasts for 28 days and involves taking medication once daily without missing doses. This regimen includes a combination of antiretroviral medications designed to prevent HIV from establishing an infection. Commonly prescribed medications include Tenofvir, Emtricitabine, and Raltegravir. It’s important to follow the prescribed schedule diligently. PEP HIV treatment in Singapore is structured to support individuals in preventing HIV infection effectively.
Strict adherence to the medication schedule is crucial for PEP to be effective. Missing doses can significantly reduce its ability to protect against HIV. To help with adherence, consider integrating medication into your daily routine, such as taking it with a meal or setting alarms on your phone. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but remember that support is available. By consistently following the regimen, you enhance the chances of PEP working effectively. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our clinic in Singapore for guidance on HIV PEP treatment.
Completing PEP is not the end of the process. Follow-up HIV testing is essential to confirm that the treatment worked. Typically, follow-up HIV testing after PEP is conducted at intervals such as 4 to 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-exposure. This testing schedule ensures that any potential infection is detected early, allowing for timely intervention if necessary. It’s important to stay in touch with our team throughout this period to ensure your health and peace of mind. Adhering to the follow-up HIV testing appointments after PEP testing is equally important for comprehensive care.
| Follow-Up Testing | Description |
| HIV RNA/DNA PCR | Detectable from 10-12 days post-exposure |
| HIV p24 Antigen/Antibody Combo Test | Recommended after 28 days to confirm HIV status |
If you do not have HIV and in the last 72 hours you have
You should speak to your doctor or even an emergency room doctor regarding PEP straight away.
Those who have established HIV infection but not aware of it, are not suitable for PEP as this can increase the risk of HIV virus developing resistance to the medication.
Generally, PEP is safe, but it may come with side effects such as
If your doctor advised you for PEP, you are advised to take the medication once or twice every day for 28 days.
Your doctor will take a relevant medical history and assess your HIV exposure risks. You may be offered baseline blood tests including liver, kidney screening blood tests and a baseline HIV test. Depending on the risks, you may be offered for other STIs screening.
After completion of PEP treatment, you are advised to return for blood tests including a repeat of HIV tests at 1-month and 3-month intervals after your potential HIV exposure.
No, PEP is not a suitable choice for people who has frequent risk of exposure to HIV. PEP should only be used during an emergency situation. This is because if PEP is prescribed after potential exposure to HIV, you may eventually need more drugs and higher doses of drugs to reduce or block the infection than with Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medication.
If you are constantly exposed to risks of HIV, speak to your doctor regarding PrEP option lower the risks of getting HIV.
Take care, stay safe.
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