StevenTM t1_j9frrcw wrote on February 21, 2023 at 4:37 PM

Reply to comment by LatrodectusGeometric in German man remains free of the HIV virus years after receiving stem cell treatment. by Drewcifixion

Don't even need to take PrEP daily, on demand is fine: 2 pills at once 2-4, or up to 24, hours before sex/needle use, then one after 24 hours and another after another 24 hours (48 total)

That's it

Oh and generic PrEP from India is like $50/30 pills and works just as well

LatrodectusGeometric t1_j9fx4e6 wrote on February 21, 2023 at 5:12 PM

On demand works, but daily is better for people who want the most protection. I wouldn’t buy pills from India unless out of other options (many local groups will fund these medications without having to resort to black market pills). India doesn’t have the same regulatory standards we do and it can have deadly consequences.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/03/world/asia/india-gambia-cough-syrup.amp.html

Edit: I’d also note that on demand isn’t the best option for people who use injection drugs because we don’t have enough data to show it can be effective.

StevenTM t1_j9ggujm wrote on February 21, 2023 at 7:45 PM

Do you have any sources that daily is better than on demand? Or that PrEP manufactured in India (which is NOT "black market" PrEP) is unsafe?

Your advice is literally putting people at risk, wtf are you doing? On the one hand you give advice that protects people, on the other you discourage them from accessing cheap and just as efficient PrEP that is accessible they don't have other options (nobody said you shouldn't get it through official local channels if you can)

https://www.prepwatch.org/countries/india/

https://www.aidsmap.com/news/oct-2018/generic-prep-bought-online-has-correct-amounts-emtricitabine-and-tenofovir (lists specific suppliers that were vetted)

> These results clearly show that the PrEP being privately sourced online from the main suppliers is fit for purpose and therefore, when taken as prescribed, highly effective at preventing HIV. Understandably, those considering ordering PrEP online have some concerns about what they are buying and hopefully this will act as further reassurance.

HIV.gov also links to this website on generic truvada availability and the first recommended manufacturer for generic is one from India, HETERO LABS LTD

This study's participants were "[mostly] on generic TFV disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/FTC from Cipla Ltd", also an Indian manufacturer

I'm not Indian, but I'm furious at your comment, casting doubt on legitimate manufacture of cheaper and more accessible generic drugs just because "iTs iNdIa". REALLY not cool.

LatrodectusGeometric t1_j9gilxj wrote on February 21, 2023 at 8:00 PM

I assumed you meant black market because you specified “from India”. There are several generic PrEP options available in the US from multiple countries (including India) that go through strict US regulations and are completely reasonable options. No one should order straight from India for personal use outside of a pharmacy or medical practice if it can be prevented.

This is a nice study on use of PrEP and overall effective coverage. As you can see, very few people developed HIV during this study, and most people were covered throughout their sexual activity, with more coverage among those taking daily PrEP.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jia2.25795

PrEP of either type can and should be considered for those who qualify, and one may be better than the other for individual reasons.