Interesting.. - Empty Closets - A safe online community for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender people coming out

Anonymous · 7th Aug 2012, 09:35 PM

Saw this article, and wanted to see people's opinions on it

FDA Approves Truvada as First HIV Prevention Drug

Romi · 7th Aug 2012, 09:46 PM

I have a lot of opinions on it. HIV/Aids is an issue that cuts deep personally. I'm negative and have never been in a situation where I've head to worry about it for myself, But someone very dear to me is not so lucky. So I tend to get...all kinds of twisted. Maybe I'll respond better later.

**thecat06** · 7th Aug 2012, 10:39 PM

I'll have to admit that I am a little torn on this one. It's good that there is a way for people with partners who are HIV positive to reduce their risk of infection. At the same time, I am worried that many will take this as "we don't have to have safe sex anymore because HIV transmission can be stopped".

I also think that the price will be a large barrier for the people that would benefit from this medication. That article said that it costs 14,000 dollars a year. I feel that this would discourage many people from starting this preventative treatment because of the cost.

Anonymous · 12th Aug 2012, 09:24 PM

Wouldn't be available for everyone, but seems like it's a good sign for aids research

**KaraBulut** · 13th Aug 2012, 04:42 AM

The interesting thing is that the original discussion about using Truvada was in sex workers and in couples where one person is HIV+ and the other HIV-.

When it was proposed, the estimate was that it would cost prostitutes in countries like Thailand about $800 per year. Even though $800 seems like a small amount in the west, that's quite a bit of money in other countries.

The manufacturer of the drug has been putting out a lot of press releases about this being a breakthrough in HIV treatment in the US... where the drug costs $12,000 to $15,000 per year... and where a condom costs about 25 cents.

$800 in some countries but $15,000 in others. Interesting.

Because use of the drug for "prevention" is not considered "medically necessary", insurance companies in the US will probably not cover the cost.

7th Aug 2012, 09:35 PM	#1
Anonymous Posting Anonymously Posts: 50,827 Join Date: Dec 2007	Interesting.. Saw this article, and wanted to see people's opinions on it FDA Approves Truvada as First HIV Prevention Drug

7th Aug 2012, 09:46 PM	#2
Romi Love Full Member Gender: Genderqueer Out Status: Most are aware to some degree. Location: Virginia/NC Age: 25 Posts: 2,027 Join Date: Aug 2012	Re: Interesting.. I have a lot of opinions on it. HIV/Aids is an issue that cuts deep personally. I'm negative and have never been in a situation where I've head to worry about it for myself, But someone very dear to me is not so lucky. So I tend to get...all kinds of twisted. Maybe I'll respond better later. __________________ * * * If you get lost, you can always be found. Just know you’re not alone. Cause I’m going to make this place your home.

7th Aug 2012, 10:39 PM	#3
thecat06 Let the journey of life continue! EC Moderator Gender: Let's say Pangender! Orientation: Let's say gay!! (Homoromantic Demisexual) Out Status: Out as pan to most, out as gay completely Location: Central and Northern Ohio Age: 20 Posts: 7,058 Join Date: Jun 2011 Tournaments Won: 9	Re: Interesting.. I'll have to admit that I am a little torn on this one. It's good that there is a way for people with partners who are HIV positive to reduce their risk of infection. At the same time, I am worried that many will take this as "we don't have to have safe sex anymore because HIV transmission can be stopped". I also think that the price will be a large barrier for the people that would benefit from this medication. That article said that it costs 14,000 dollars a year. I feel that this would discourage many people from starting this preventative treatment because of the cost. __________________ The tide of history only advances when people make themselves fully visible. -Anderson Cooper

12th Aug 2012, 09:24 PM	#4
Anonymous Posting Anonymously Posts: 50,827 Join Date: Dec 2007	Re: Interesting.. Wouldn't be available for everyone, but seems like it's a good sign for aids research

13th Aug 2012, 04:42 AM	#5
KaraBulut EC Health Expert Expert Gender: Male Location: US Posts: 4,909 Join Date: Mar 2008	Re: Interesting.. The interesting thing is that the original discussion about using Truvada was in sex workers and in couples where one person is HIV+ and the other HIV-. When it was proposed, the estimate was that it would cost prostitutes in countries like Thailand about $800 per year. Even though $800 seems like a small amount in the west, that's quite a bit of money in other countries. The manufacturer of the drug has been putting out a lot of press releases about this being a breakthrough in HIV treatment in the US... where the drug costs $12,000 to $15,000 per year... and where a condom costs about 25 cents. $800 in some countries but $15,000 in others. Interesting. Because use of the drug for "prevention" is not considered "medically necessary", insurance companies in the US will probably not cover the cost.

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