Pill Prevents HIV Infections

The FDA made history this week when it approved the first pill to prevent HIV infection. The medication is called Truvada and it has been used previously to treat people with AIDS. Truvada has been shown to greatly reduce the risk of acquiring HIV, even in people who have an infected partner. The agency cautioned that the drug should be accompanied by safer sex practices to maximize its benefit. With a price tag of more than $1000 per month, Truvada is not for everyone. And it is not clear how many insurance companies will cover the cost. Nevertheless, it represents a major advance in the fight against HIV/AIDS.