Key Facts about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis on Heterosexual Men and Women

Daily oral Pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP with tablet that contains emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil furnarate can reduce the risk of HIV acquisition at approximately 63%. In addition to that, researchers who conducted a separate study for better understanding on the efficacy among participants greatly believed that taking medicines can reduce potential risks of viruses. This study excludes any type of HIV infections that occurred for more than thirty days after taking the last medicine dose of the participant.

Study Population and Trial Design

This study examined the use of antiretroviral pill that containing emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate as medicine for PrEP among heterosexual men and women at two sites in Botswana namely Francistown and Gaborone.   This study was conducted by the CDC in partnership with Botswana Ministry of Health.  Additional funds needed by the study were provided by National Institute of Health and the study drug was completely donated by the Gilead Sciences.

Participants of the Study

A total of 1,219 uninfected HIV, sexually active female and male volunteers between the ages of 18-35 were enrolled in this study. They are randomly assigned to take the TDF or FTC pill. These are the participants that were determined to be HIV infected at the time of their enrolment and sixteen of the participants are randomized. Those individuals were excluded from the analysis ate those who received the study medication and were randomized. Participants in the study were assigned randomly to one of two arms where 601 were assigned in taking the daily TDF or FTC pill and the rest to receive the placebo.

Informed Consent and Prevention Services

To be sure that the participants completely understand all the aspects and their participation in the study, they are required to pass a comprehension test before providing them written informed decision. They are also given the freedom to withdraw from the study anytime for valid reasons. To assist and guide all the participants of the study, in reducing and eliminating HIV risks, extensive type of risk reduction counseling was conducted to each of the study since it is highly needed.

Participants are all offered for free female and male condoms as well as STD treatment and testing to reduce the risks of HIV infection. The health of all the participants in the study were completely monitored and linked to necessary and healthy medical care.

Result of the Study

In the primary analysis of the study consisting of 1200 participants, there were nine participants infected with HIV infections among the 601 participants who primarily received the TDF or FTC pill compared to the twenty four participants in the 599 participants who received the placebo pills. Among the participants who obtained the supply of the study drugs, protection was increased and there were four infections in the TDF or FTC group and nineteen in the group of placebo.

This is an essential study that you need to be familiar with as far as HIV infection is concerned. As early as now, you need to be equipped with the right skills and knowledge with regards to such kind of infection or condition to assure that you are ready with the possible consequences that this might brought into your life.