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Home » NHS Scotland to fund ‘game-changer’ Prep HIV drug

NHS Scotland to fund ‘game-changer’ Prep HIV drug

April 11, 2017 By SSHA Leave a Comment

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has agreed to approve the treatment, which is known as Prep.

A “game-changing” drug which dramatically reduces the chances of being infected with HIV is to be made available on the NHS in Scotland.

Scientists have found that a daily dose of the drug can protect people at risk of contracting the virus.

It means Scotland will become the first place in the UK to routinely offer Prep to eligible patients.

Campaigners welcomed the SMC’s decision, describing it as a “bold step” which could lead to a reduction in the spread of the virus.

They estimate that up to 1,900 people north of the border could benefit from the drug, which has the brand name Truvada and costs about £450 a month.

Safe sex practices

The anti-retroviral drug is already licensed for use by people diagnosed with HIV in Scotland.

However, the SMC’s decision relates to its use on a preventative basis by people who do not have the virus.

The group said Prep was one aspect of a wider HIV prevention strategy and it should be used in combination with safe sex practices such as using condoms.

SMC chairman Dr Alan MacDonald said: “[Prep] when used together with safer sex practices may help to reduce the spread of HIV, which is an ongoing priority for the Scottish government.”

It was one of series of drugs approved by the body, including Kadcyla, which is used to treat aggressive and advanced types of breast cancer.

10th April 2017
BBC NEWS

Filed Under: Latest SSHA News Tagged With: Alan MacDonald, condoms, hiv, hiv prevention, Kadcyla, NHS, nhs scotland, prep, Scottish Medicines Consortium, SMC, truvada

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About SSHA

The Society of Sexual Health Advisers (SSHA) is a UK national organisation with approximately 300 members out of an estimated 350 sexual health advisers in the country. It provides an opportunity for members to meet and work towards further professional development.

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