C.D.C Recommends Truvada/I'm Still Not Taking It
You can read the Article from The NY Times here
The reason I'm not taking it is right in the article, if you read between the lines.
The CDC is "frustrated" the number of new HIV infections remains stuck on 50k/yr, despite all their efforts, and a PrEP regimen WILL reduce that number.
However, the risk of developing liver or other toxicity is very real and if people in their 20's start using it, no one knows what can happen by the time they're in their 40's.
But I am sure that if the number of new cases/yr is reduced to say 30k and maybe 500 new cases of toxicity developed, the government would consider it to be the lesser of two evils and therefore a victory.
Thing is, I don't want to be in the 500 (or whatever the number will be)...so I'll continue to use condoms and hopefully meet a few people I can get tested with.
Re: C.D.C Recommends Truvada/I'm Still Not Taking It
Truvada is not a new drug. It is half the drug you get if you are being treated for HIV. I read on the liver toxicity, its actually a small percentage. Plus you have to have liver test. Like I said it is the drug you will take if you contract HIV (well the most popular prescribed drug). There are people who think it is horrible and there are people who think it's great. If you engage in high risk behavior and scenarios that increase your exposure to HIV, I would recommend it. If you are diligent in your condom regime, then go ahead and proceed. My best advice is to ask doctors who specialize in HIV and Infections diseases. I asked my doctor on it and she didn't have much of clue to about the drug. I had to ask another specialist about the drug who had more experience with it.
Once you acquire HIV it is with you for the rest of your life. Be careful, be vigilant and be safe in your sexual escapades.
Re: C.D.C Recommends Truvada/I'm Still Not Taking It
Quote:
Originally Posted by
nysprod
You can read the Article from The NY Times
here
The reason I'm not taking it is right in the article, if you read between the lines.
The CDC is "frustrated" the number of new HIV infections remains stuck on 50k/yr, despite all their efforts, and a PrEP regimen WILL reduce that number.
However, the risk of developing liver or other toxicity is very real and if people in their 20's start using it, no one knows what can happen by the time they're in their 40's.
But I am sure that if the number of new cases/yr is reduced to say 30k and maybe 500 new cases of toxicity developed, the government would consider it to be the lesser of two evils and therefore a victory.
Thing is, I don't want to be in the 500 (or whatever the number will be)...so I'll continue to use condoms and hopefully meet a few people I can get tested with.
Forgot where I read it from but they also stated if one contracts HIV while on PrEP, there's a small possibility of developing HIV drug resistance - not good.
Re: C.D.C Recommends Truvada/I'm Still Not Taking It
Yeah, that article's more than a year old...and Gilead is constantly working on new HIV treatments. If I were a steadfast 'top' who diligently uses condoms...I wouldn't even think about it.
...If I were mostly a 'bottom', especially if I engaged in many anonymous sexual bottoming encounters, condoms or not, I would at least strongly consider it.
as it is, on a personal basis, I've topped and bottomed...and even though I've generally practiced 'safe sex', I've often been somewhat inebriated or otherwise compromised enough, in my relationships, where I wasn't always certain...and at my age, I probably have far less sex than some of the other posters on here.
If it didn't cost much I would probably consider it...hell, I probably take vitamins (to stave off imaginary shit...unlike HIV) that do me more harm than that drug would.
Re: C.D.C Recommends Truvada/I'm Still Not Taking It
