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Is Truvada Intake Safe And Effective For HIV Prevention?

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Posted on Mon, 2 Jun 2014
Question: I am a XXXXXXX male that has oral and anal sex with my partner. We are in an open relationship and while I do not have sex with others he does and in some cases it is unprotected. I am tested often, however I am very interested in the drug Truvada as a means to support staying HIV negative. I love my BF and want to be with him, but without more piece of mind, I do not think I can keep going with an open relationship. How do I go about getting the Truvada drug and do you see it as helpful?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You should not practice this.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,Welcome to HealthcareMagic.
I am Dr Aslam here to help you.
I understand your concerns.
But,please understand that anti HIV drugs used for treatment,and not used for prophylaxis,unless you have a documented direct exposure to a positive person.Even then,it is used after a detailed risk assessment,and under strict follow up of the doctor.You should never use them without a proper prescription.And,under your present situation,it is not at all helpful.

These drugs are having many serious side effects,and we use them only when the benefit outweighs the risk.

You can counsel your friend about the consequences he may have to face and the need for protection and ,and promote him for having proper precautions.

Hope I have answered your query.If you have further questions,I will be happy to help.
Wishing healthy days ahead.Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Muhammed Aslam (11 minutes later)
I am confused. Truvada is being praised as an additional support to reduce risk for HIV if taken everyday. You are contradicting what many in the health fields are saying about Truvada. So your saying PREP should not be used?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam (13 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It is used only in very high risk people.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,

I agree that, it is FDA approved for prevention; but it is used in rare situations where an individual has a known HIV positive partner and he find it difficult to follow safe sex practices.

Though FDA has approved this indication recently, it is only in its infancy and not recommended as a routine pre-exposure prophylaxis. Even pioneers in health care profession differs in their opinion about this indication.

In short, one can think this option if he has known positive partner. Even if one is taking, he has follow all other safety precautions and adhere strictly to the drug. Even a single missed dose cause failure.

You can discuss this with your doctor. In all means, please do not take this without a prescription. It needs regular followup with assessment for renal function and other side effects.

Hope I am clear now. If you have no further questions,you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Thank you.
Note: Get personalized answers to your HIV related queries You can choose to talk face to face with your doctor. Book a Video Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Muhammed Aslam

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 987 Questions

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Is Truvada Intake Safe And Effective For HIV Prevention?

Brief Answer: You should not practice this. Detailed Answer: Hello dear,Welcome to HealthcareMagic. I am Dr Aslam here to help you. I understand your concerns. But,please understand that anti HIV drugs used for treatment,and not used for prophylaxis,unless you have a documented direct exposure to a positive person.Even then,it is used after a detailed risk assessment,and under strict follow up of the doctor.You should never use them without a proper prescription.And,under your present situation,it is not at all helpful. These drugs are having many serious side effects,and we use them only when the benefit outweighs the risk. You can counsel your friend about the consequences he may have to face and the need for protection and ,and promote him for having proper precautions. Hope I have answered your query.If you have further questions,I will be happy to help. Wishing healthy days ahead.Thank you.