Monday, the FDA approved the first drug to help prevent HIV infection. Truvada, has been approved as a supplement to practicing safe sex, for those at risk for the infection.
FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret A. Hamburg said in a press release:
“Every year, about 50,000 U.S. adults and adolescents are diagnosed with HIV infection, despite the availability of prevention methods and strategies to educate, test, and care for people living with the disease. New treatments as well as prevention methods are needed to fight the HIV epidemic in this country.”
Serious side effects are uncommon, with the most severe being diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and headaches.
The pill cuts the risk of infection between 42 and 75%.
Despite this, experts warn the pill should not give users a false sense of security, and urge it to supplement condoms and careful sexual behavior.
If used responsibly, the pill represents an opportunity for adults to be cautious and safe against HIV infection.
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