Top PrEP Stories of 2014

This year saw the advent of Pre-Exposure Phrophylaxis for HIV with Truvada, a controversial new tool in the fight against AIDS. Research shows that when taking properly, PrEP may be up to 99 percent effective in preventing new infections. So why do some critics oppose its use?

ASOs Applaud Use of Truvada: Three California AIDS Service Organizations have announced their support of Truvada, an important new tool in fighting AIDS. Research shows that when taken properly, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with Truvada may be up to 99 percent effective in preventing new HIV infections. Read more here.

GMHC Asks, 'What Does PrEP Mean for Women?': On Tuesday, Oct. 14, GMHC held a community discussion on women and HIV titled, "PrEP Rally 4: What Does PrEP Mean for Women?" The event will discuss the impact of PrEP on women, and will discuss public policy work at the city and state level. Read more here.

PrEP Is Safe and Effective, Even For Those Who Miss Doses: An exciting and late-breaking development at the AIDS 2014 Conference in Melbourne revealed findings published in Lancet Infectious Diseases that show that PrEP is safe and effective at preventing HIV infection, even for those who miss doses. Read more here.

Oral Contraception OK for HIV-Positive Women: Contrary to guidelines issued by the World Health Organization, new research has found that HIV-positive women receiving one of the most common forms of drug therapy should be able to use at least some forms of oral contraceptives for birth control. Read more here.

CDC Releases New Guidelines for PrEP: The CDC now says that health care providers should consider advising the use of anti-HIV drugs by uninfected patients who are at substantial risk of infection.
Read more here.

Ask the Doc: The Pros and Cons of PrEP: Dr. Howard L. Scheiner, MD/AAHIVS, shares his views that for discordant couples, PrEP is a good choice.
Read more here.

Ask the Doc: PrEP Redux: Just in case you didn't get it last time, the doc lets you know whether a random handful of pills taken on the dance floor will do anything to prevent HIV infection, and will touch on the growing firestorm that has recently brought some vocal opponents of PrEP into the media spotlight.Read more here.