HIV & AIDS Health Center

FDA Approves First Drug for HIV Prevention

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Birnkrant noted that the FDA approval comes with a risk-reduction program. Doctors prescribing Truvada PrEP must ensure that patients test negative for HIV before taking the drug. New tests are advised every three months at least.

In addition, people must be monitored for signs of kidney or bone problems -- which are among the long-term side effects sometimes seen with Truvada.

And the FDA says it will stay in close touch with those prescribing and taking Truvada PrEP to fine-tune the risk-reduction program.

"Education is the key," Birnkrant said. "We are committed to working with our public health colleagues to learn how best to use Truvada for PrEP so we can fully achieve the public health benefit it represents."

Truvada costs about $1,100 a month. It's not yet clear whether Truvada PrEP will be covered by insurance.