10-May-12 8:00 AM CST

Truvada Likely to be Approved for the Prevention of HIV

The war on HIV cures and prevention has been an issue for many decades. Truvada is a drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration to manage symptoms of HIV and is currently being considered for the prevention of HIV. Many questions are being raised about the medication as to whether it will reduce condom use, encourage risky sexual activity, and decrease safe sex practices. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1.1 million Americans have contracted HIV. Although Truvada seems like a wonder drug, the yearly cost of the prescription will run $11,000 a year. If the FDA approves the new prevention usage, questions about insurance coverage may come about due to the high price tag. Currently, Gilead Sciences, Inc, the makers of Truvada offer a co-pay assistance program for patients to help cut down on the medications costs. Patients can save up to $200 on their monthly prescription for a year. In a recent article published on Bloomberg.com, Ken Mayer, medical research director at the Fenway Institute commented on Truvada. “I think it would be a mistake for the FDA not to approve this indication,” Mayer said. “If we can figure out how to use this most effectively we can really put a dent in the number of new infections” said Mayer. As of my report, the FDA has a favorable opinion right now of approving Truvada to prevent HIV infection in individuals who are considered to be at high risk for infection. For more detailed information concerning Truvada, pharmacy technicians should visit the Truvada web site by going to www.truvada.com.

Sources:

1. Moisse, Katie. “Truvada for HIV Prevention: Pros, Cons of Popping a Pill.” Good Morning America/Yahoo News. Date of Access: 9 May 2012. http://gma.yahoo.com/truvada-hiv-prevention-pros-cons-popping-pill-194222018--abc-news-wellness.html

2. Pettypiece, Shannon, & Ryan Flinn. “Gilead’s Truvada Pill Is Safe for HIV Prevention.” Bloomberg.com. 8 May 2012. Date of Access: 9 May 2012. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-08/gilead-hiv-pill-shown-safe-in-studies-fda-staff-report-says.html

3. Truvada Web Site. www.truvada.com

4. “CDC’s HIV Prevention Progress in the United States.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets

5. Dotinga, Randy. “FDA Panel Seems to Back Pill to Help Prevent HIV.” US News and World Report. 9 May 2012. http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2012/05/09/fda-panel-seems-to-back-pill-to-help-prevent-hiv