Truvada is one of the many antiretrovirals an HIV+ individual may take. As of now, it cost about $14,000 a year to take Truvada as a HIV+ patient. What does Truvada do? In simple terms, Truvada interferes with the HIV’s DNA and stops the spread of the virus.
So what’s the deal with Truvada and the FDA? Right now, scientist have found research to support and prove that taking Truvada when you are HIV negative can prevent a person from getting infected with HIV. Have we found the cure? The FDA is in the process of deciding that as we speak, in three months, they will make a decision as to if HIV negative people who have risk factors (sleeping with multiple partners) can take Truvada to prevent possible infection.
Will this be covered by insurance? Who knows; that will be the next battle, but from my assumptions if more people are going to start taking Truvada then by supply and demand principles the cost will go down. Insurance companies are big supporters of preventative medicines, as it cost them less in the long run. Truvada may be considered as a prophylactic, which is a fancy term for us medical nerds to say we can treat you for an infection before you get it if you could have been exposed.
Now guys, just because us medical nerds are on our way to a “cure” let’s not forget the basics- Wrap it before you tap it and know your status.
