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Anti-HIV Pill Recommended for High-Risk Individuals

New guidelines for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention were published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on Wednesday.

Truvada®, a combination of two medicines called Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), that was approved by the FDA in July of 2012 proved effective in reducing the transmission of HIV infection in high-risk individuals. When taken daily the medication can be up to 92 percent effective.

Randall Salyer, a nurse practitioner and HIV specialist at Community Physician Network said, "It is recommended that Truvada® be used in combination with safe sex practices (condom use) and no needle sharing to reduce the high-risk of HIV transmission."

Because HIV is most commonly transmitted through anal or vaginal sex, or sharing drug injection equipment with a person infected with HIV, the following individuals are considered to be at high-risk for infection:

  • Gay men who have sex without using condoms 
  • Heterosexuals who sleep with intravenous drug users 
  • Individuals who sleep with someone who is known to be HIV-positive

If you believe you are at high risk for contracting HIV, you should talk to your doctor about prevention methods.

Care for HIV-Positive Individuals

Community Physician Network Infectious Disease Care works to meet the growing need for accessible HIV care in Central Indiana. For information about how Community provides care to HIV-positive patients, call 317-621-1690.

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