Pill to prevent HIV gets an FDA endorsement

[Ruby the Liberal]

Cross posted from LBN: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014118775

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The first drug shown to prevent HIV infection won the endorsement of an FDA advisory panel Thursday, clearing the way for a landmark approval in the 30-year fight against the virus that causes AIDS.

The Food and Drug Administration panel recommended approval of the daily pill Truvada for healthy people who are at high risk of contracting HIV, including gay and bisexual men and heterosexual couples with one HIV-positive partner.

The FDA is not required to follow the panel's advice, but it usually does. A final decision is expected by June 15.

Gilead Sciences, based in Foster City, Calif., has marketed Truvada since 2004 as a treatment for people who are infected with the virus.

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/health/la-na-fda-hiv-20120511,0,5295464.story

[William769]

1. I have mixed feelings on this announcement.

Don't get me wrong Truvada is a great and is part of whats in the pill I take.

I fear this may be sending a mixed signal. I have some research from my doctor I'll dig up and post so you will know why I have mixed feelings on this.

[Ruby the Liberal]

2. My initial reaction was that people

might feel invincible - and nothing is fool proof.

[William769]

3. Thats my first reaction also.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

4. i read the study on this and people didn't act the way you feared

(i too feared it and hence read the original study)