HIV PrEP Singapore | Shim Clinic
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HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a treatment that reduces the risk of HIV infection before exposure, like condom break, slip, or no condom. It involves the regular daily consumption of two HIV medications in a single pill.
What is pre-exposure prophylaxis?
- Pre – before
- Exposure – coming into contact with
- Prophylaxis – treatment to prevent infection
So HIV PrEP is a “Before coming into contact with HIV treatment to prevent infection.”
If you have already been exposed to HIV, then you are looking for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
There are 2 reasons people take PrEP:
- PrEP with condom
- PrEP without condom
PrEP with condom – PrEP acts as an additional layer of protection, should the condom fail. In cases when the condom breaks, slips, or if one unintentionally forgets to put on a condom, PrEP provides an additional safety net against HIV transmission.
PrEP without condom – Some people in a foolhardy way view PrEP as a form of sexual liberation. They intentionally utilise PrEP as an alternative to using a condom. They don’t mind getting any STD other than HIV. PrEP does not provide 100% protection. There have been failures in the past. We advice against selecting this option.
There are 2 ways to take PrEP:
- PrEP continuously
- PrEP on demand
PrEP continuously – PrEP medication is taken daily on a regular basis. There is no pause or stoppage of the consumption of the medication. This is the recommended method of use.
PrEP on demand – This regimen involves taking 2 pills 2 hours before sex, and 1 pill for each of the next 2 days. Study data supports high efficacy rates, however it is not as effective as taking PrEP continuously.
Effectiveness: The HIV risk is reduced by more than 99% when the medication is taken regularly.
Drugs and Dosages: The HIV PrEP treatment involves taking some of the same type of medication that a HIV patient takes. Although HIV patients take a 3-4 drug combination, for HIV PrEP, it usually involves a 2 drug combination.
References
Sexual risk (of HIV/STD/pregnancy), and what you can do before and after exposure.
| Timeline | HIV | STD | Pregnancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before exposure | |||
| Contraception (females only) |
|||
| HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) – Stop HIV infection before exposure |
STD vaccine: – Hepatitis vaccine – HPV vaccine |
||
| STD / HIV exposure | No condom / Condom broke / Condom slip |
||
| 0-72 hours | HIV PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) – Stop HIV infection after exposure |
STD testing * – Screening test – to look for asymptomatic infections – from previous exposures |
Emergency contraception with the morning-after pill (females only) |
| 2 weeks | HIV DNA Test | ||
| 1 month | HIV 4th Generation Test – SD Bioline HIV Ag/Ab Combo – Fingerprick blood sampling. – 20 minutes to results |
||
| 3 months | HIV 3rd Generation Test – OraQuick® HIV-1/2 Antibody – Oral fluid or – Fingerprick blood sampling. – 20 minutes to results |
STD testing * – Full & comprehensive – diagnostic test – to look for current infections |
|
| Watch for | HIV Symptoms | STD Symptoms | |
| If infected | HIV Treatment | STD Treatment | Abortion |
* Males: Do not urinate for at least 4 hours before arriving.
* Females: testing is more accurate when you are not menstruating.
References