Truvada approved for HIV prevention in Canada
29 February 2016 - In an exciting development, on February 26 th 2016 Health Canada approved the use of Truvada taken every day for the prevention of sexual transmission of HIV.
Truvada is a pill containing the following two anti-HIV drugs:
- tenofovir DF 300 mg
- FTC (emtricitabine) 200 mg
Taking medicines to prevent infection in HIV-negative people is called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Health Canada has approved the daily use of Truvada as part of a suite of prevention measures including the following:
- testing for HIV prior to initiation of Truvada
- screening for and, when necessary, treatment of sexually transmitted infections
- regular and frequent testing for HIV while using Truvada
- the use of condoms
Health Canada based its approval on data from clinical trials in men who have sex with men as well as in heterosexual couples where one partner was HIV-positive. In these studies, Truvada was taken once daily every day together with the suite of previously mentioned prevention measures. In this context Truvada was highly effective in preventing new cases of HIV infection.
What's next?
Truvada costs about $1,000 per month. To facilitate access, private insurance companies need to move swiftly to add Truvada (when used as PrEP) to their list of reimbursed medicines.
However, not everyone at high risk for HIV has private insurance. Canada's provinces and territories now need to consider adding PrEP to their lists of subsidized medicines (these lists are called formularies). Unless they provide subsidies, it is unlikely that Truvada will reach its full potential to significantly stem the spread of HIV.
Resources
Truvada CATIE fact sheet
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) CATIE fact sheet
CATIE statement on the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV
Condoms, PrEP, and the use of antiretroviral treatment to prevent HIV CATIE webinar
PrEP for the prevention of HIV infection in the United States: A clinical practice guideline US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Clinical providers' supplement for providing PrEP CDC
Interim guidance on providing HIV PrEP Quebec Ministry of Health (French only)
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) guidelines B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
Sean R. Hosein
REFERENCES:
- Gilead Sciences. Health Canada issues notice of compliance for Gilead's Truvada for reducing the risk of sexually acquired HIV infection. Press Release . 29 th February 2016. Available at: http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/health-canada-issues-notice-of-compliance-for-gileads-truvada-for-reducing-the-risk-of-sexually-acquired-hiv-infection-570475811.html
- Gilead Sciences. Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets). Product Monograph . 23 February, 2016.
From Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE). For more information visit CATIE's Information
Network at http://www.catie.ca
Source: CATIE: CANADIAN AIDS TREATMENT INFORMATION EXCHANGE
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