HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis – (PrEP)
Article contributed by a DTAP HIV doctor.
In 2010, I wrote a blog article on PrEP which is short for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.
Since then, there has been many updates and new research published so it is high time for an updated entry.
Just to recap, HIV PrEP is a medicine that a person takes everyday which reduces his/her risk of contracting HIV. This is not a new concept in medicine. Take for example tablets taken daily to prevent Malaria or tablets taken daily to prevent pregnancy.
This should not be mistaken for PEP which is Post Exposure Prophylaxis. PEP are medicines taken AFTER a person has been potentially infected with HIV.
So what exactly is PrEP?
PrEP is simply a tablet taken daily that reduces a person’s risk of contracting HIV. It’s that simple. The tablet most studied for use as PrEP contains 2 medicines: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg (TDF) and emtricitabine 200 mg (FTC). This is marketed under the brand name Truvada and is made by a company called Gilead Sciences.
Descovy as new medication for HIV PrEP
Descovy (brand name) is a FDA approved new drug combination of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) + emtricitabine for use as HIV PrEP, which has shown to be equally effective in preventing HIV infection whilst touting an improved safety profile for renal and bone toxicity.
Descovy is currently available in all Dr Tan & Partners (DTAP clinics) in Singapore. It is a prescription only medication and must be prescribed by a doctor. Speak to our doctors for more information about Descovy and find out if a HIV-1 treatment that contains Descovy is right for you.
How effective is PrEP?
There have been many studies with varying results. Generally, protection rates differ between groups with different sexual orientations. Numbers range from 50% to 84% according to the 4 studies quoted in the US CDC’s Interim Guidelines. Other publications quote protection rates as high as 99%.
We must bear in mind that like every other method of HIV prevention, PrEP is not failsafe. It is one of the many weapons in our current arsenal to reduce the burden of HIV on the world. Other prevention methods include:
- Consistent and correct condom use.
- Access to treatment. Treatment as prevention.
- Education.
- Male circumcision.
What are the side effects of PrEP?
Minor side effects such as nausea, headache and weight loss are possible.
Major side effects like effects on the kidney and bone density are rare.
In my personal experience prescribing HIV PrEP, I have not come across anything more than some minor nausea.
How can I start PrEP?
Come see us at our clinic. You will need several tests including a HIV test, STD screening and a kidney function test.
You can start on the pills immediately. It is best to be on the pills for at least 7 days before engaging in any risky encounters.
How can I stop PrEP?
It is best to continue PrEP for at least 4 weeks from the last risky encounter.
You will also be advised to get screening tests done for HIV and other STDs 3 months from the last encounter.
How long can I take PrEP for?
PrEP can be taken indefinitely and should be taken as long as you remain at risk of HIV.
It is best to see your doctor every 3 months to screen for HIV and STDs and monitor for potential side effects.
For further reading:
My PrEP Experience Blog is a great resource on everything you need to know about PrEP.
It also contains real life stories from patients who have taken PrEP and their experiences. I highly recommend that you check it out if you are considering starting on PrEP.
If you had a high risk exposure to HIV within the past 72 hours, you can take medicines to reduce your risk of actually contracting HIV. Find out more on HIV PEP Treatment.
1) DTAP Clinic @Somerset
Men’s Lifestyle Clinic
Dr Taufiq is currently practising in Men’s Health & Sexual Clinic @Somerset
Address:
1 Grange Road,
#10-08 Orchard Building (Office Tower),
Singapore 239693
Telephone: +65 6262 0762
WhatsApp: +65 8372 8393 (For Appointment Only)
Email: hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
Opening Time:
Monday to Thursday:
9.30 am – 2.00 pm & 3.00 pm – 6.30 pm
Friday:
9.30 am – 1.00 pm & 2.00 pm – 6.30 pm
Saturday: 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays
Nearest MRT Station:
Somerset MRT Station
2) DTAP Clinic @Novena
Men’s Health & Sexual Health Clinic
Dr. Tan Kok Kuan is currently practising in Men’s Health & Sexual Clinic @Novena Medical Centre
Address:
10 Sinaran Drive,
#08-31 Novena Medical Centre,
Singapore 307506
Telephone: +65 6397 2095
WhatsApp: +65 9859 8376 (For Appointment Only)
Email: hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
Opening Time:
Monday to Friday: 8.30 am – 5.30 pm
Saturday: 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays
Nearest MRT Station:
Novena MRT Station (Exit A)
3) DTAP Clinic @Holland Village
Men’s Health & Sexual Health Clinic
Dr. Julian Hong is currently practising in Men’s Health & Sexual Clinic @Holland Village
Address:
15B Lorong Liput,
(Next to Holland Piazza),
Singapore 277730
Telephone: +65 6235 1339
WhatsApp: +65 8825 8034 (For Appointment Only)
Email: hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
Opening Time:
Monday – Friday: 8.00 am – 8.00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9.00 am – 2.00 pm
Closed on Public Holidays
Nearest MRT Station(s):
Holland Village MRT Station (Exit B) & (Exit C)
4) DTAP Clinic @Robertson
Men’s Health & Anonymous HIV Testing Clinic
Anonymous HIV Testing in Singapore:
(Don’t require any identification, such as passport, NRIC or contact details during registration. )
Dr Jonathon Ti is currently practising at @Robertson Branch
Address:
11 Unity Street,
#02-06/07 Robertson Walk,
Singapore 237995
Telephone: +65 6238 7810
WhatsApp: +65 8825 8037 (For Appointment Only)
Email: hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
Opening Time:
Monday to Friday: 8.00 am – 9.00 pm
Saturday: 9.00 am – 9.00 pm
Sunday: 9.00 am – 2.00 pm
Closed on Public Holidays
Nearest MRT Station:
Fort Canning MRT Station (Exit A)
5) DTAP Clinic @Raffles Place
Men’s Health & Sexual Health Clinic
Dr. Benjamin Loh is currently practising in Men’s Health & Sexual Clinic @Raffles Place
Address:
20 Cecil Street,
#02-01 PLUS,
Singapore 049705
Telephone: +65 6962 7144
WhatsApp: +65 9864 3198 (For Appointment Only)
Email: hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
Opening Time:
Monday: 8.00 am – 6.00 pm
Tuesday – Friday: 8.00 am – 5.00 pm
Saturday: 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
Closed on Sunday & Public Holidays
Nearest MRT Station(s):
Raffles Place MRT Station (Exit E) &
Telok Ayer MRT Station (Exit B)
6) DTAP Clinic @Siglap
Men’s Health & Sexual Health Clinic
Dr. Edwin Ong is currently practising in Men’s Health & Sexual Clinic @Siglap
Address:
914 East Coast Road,
#01-04 The Domain,
Singapore 459108
Telephone: +65 6962 2144
WhatsApp: +65 8892 1023 (For Appointment Only)
Email: hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
Opening Time:
Monday & Friday: 9.00 am – 8.00 pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 10.00 am – 8.00 pm
Wednesday: 10.00am – 6.00pm
Saturday: 9.00am – 2.00pm
Closed on Sunday & Public Holidays
7) DTAP Clinic @Kovan
Men’s Health & Sexual Health Clinic
Dr. Chester Lan is currently practising in Men’s Health & Sexual Clinic @Kovan
Address:
Stars of Kovan, #01-21
988 Upper Serangoon Road
Singapore 534733
Telephone: +65 6962 7191
WhatsApp: +65 8921 6820
Email: hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
Opening Time:
Monday – Friday: 9.00 am – 7.00 pm
Saturday: 9.00 am – 2.00 pm
Closed on Sunday & Public Holidays
Nearest MRT Station:
Kovan MRT Station
