Inclusion of Generic Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate in Standard Drugs List

Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Health whether any study has been done on the feasibility of including generic emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis onto the Standard Drugs List for the prevention of HIV transmission.

The Ministry of Health regularly reviews the Subsidised Drugs List (SDL) and coverage of the Medication Assistance Fund (MAF) to ensure that commonly used drugs are affordable.

Currently, there are 17 anti-retroviral drugs in SDL or MAF, including emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, for use as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment, but not for pre-exposure prophylaxis in adults.

In Singapore, pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis usage is supplementary HIV preventive options for individuals, as they are not fully effective and do not protect against other sexually transmitted infections. They should be very careful and avoid sending the wrong signal that these drugs can substitute the recommended HIV prevention methods, such as avoiding casual sex and correct use of condoms.