List of subsidised HIV anti-retroviral drugs
The Ministry of Health (MOH) now subsidises certain anti-retroviral medications, making adherence to treatment easier and more affordable.
In September 2020, the Ministry of Health (MOH) added 16 anti-retroviral medications to its Standard Drug List (SDL) of subsidised medications and Medication Assistance Fund (MAF).
This means that Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs) living with HIV will receive 50% to 75% of subsidies to help afford their medication, the exact subsidy amount is subject to means-testing.
This is the list of subsidised anti-retroviral medications:
Standard Drug List (SDL)
Abacavir 600mg/Iamivudine 300mg tablet [ABC/3TC]
Abacavir 600mg/dolutegravir 50mg
Atazanavir capsules (200mg, 300mg) [ATV]
Darunavir tablets (600mg, 800mg) [DRV]
Dolutegravir tablet (50mg) [DTG]
Efavirenz tablets (200mg, 600mg) [EFZ]
Etravirine tablet (200mg) [ETR]
Lamivudine tablet (150mg) [3TC]
Lopinavir (200mg)/Ritonavir (50mg) tablet and
Lopinavir (80mg/mL) & Ritonavir (20mg/mL) oral solution (160mL)
Nevirapine tablets (200mg immediate release tablet, 400mg extended release tablet) [NVP]
Rilpivirine tablet (25mg) [RPV]
Ritonavir tablet (100mg) [RTV]
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablet (300mg) [TDF]
Zidovudine capsule (100mg) [ZDV or AZT]
Medication Assistance Fund (MAF)
Emtricitabine 200mg/ tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300mg tablet (FTC/TDF)
Raltegravir film-coated tablet (400mg, 600mg) [RAL]
If you still need medical assistance, consider taking a look at our compiled list of financial assistance schemes most relevant to people living with HIV 50 years and above.
⚠️ You can buy ART from overseas
It is possible to buy generic versions of ART in places like Bangkok, Thailand. The generic versions usually cost around SGD$55 a month. Generic ART can only help about 70% to 75% of people living with HIV, and are as effective as branded versions of ART.
However, the supply of generic ART may not have a reliable supply chain, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. It may also be difficult to consult a local doctor in the event that you experience side effects.
Found this useful? There’s more!
This is a part of our series for people older than their 50s living with HIV. In the series, we show you how to take care of your body, mind and health.
More resources
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