Could a pill prevent HIV transmission?

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Could a pill prevent HIV transmission?

A popular new drug is being used by gay men who think it will

Eyewitness News'

(New York-WABC, January 6, 2006) - There's a medical warning to gay men: there is no proof that a pill, popular on the nighclub scene, actually stops the spread of HIV.

Users call it "taking a T." But, as reports, some medical experts say a more appropriate name would be "taking a risk." There's a pill that some believe can keep you from getting infected, whether or not you have safe sex. One person said: "I wouldn't trust it. I don't know why, I just wouldn't."

"I think anything that can stop the transmission of HIV is a good thing," another person added. The pill -- Tenofovir, part of a cocktail of medications used to treat HIV -- showed up about a year ago at gay clubs, sometimes sold with other drugs like ecstacy and methamphetamines. Users call it taking a "T." Now, some experts are raising a red flag. Dr. Judith Auerbach,American Foundation for Aids Research: "We don't know if it will actually prevent infection and replication in uninfected persons." Gregg Gonsalves, Gay Men's Health Crisis: "We don't have any evidence that Tenofovir prevents HIV. We do know that safer sex and safer drug use does prevent infection." But, tell that to the seven percent of uninfected gay men who, at gay pride celebrations, did say they've tried something like Tenofovir to get around using a condom. "It's not about giving up a condom, but as a precaution, as long as there are no side effects or detrimental side effects. Yeah, it's worth it." Gregg:"No drugs are benign ... they all have side effects." Dr. Judith Auerbach: "What we don't know ... if you take the drug before you're exposed ... once you're exposed will you actually be protected." Right now, the CDC is conducting two trials on the drug. But until the results are clear, the verdict on the street is still out. : "Would you ever consider trying something like that?" "Sure ... sure ... absolutely." "Always use a condom. bottom line." (Copyright 2006 WABC-TV)

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