CDC issues interim guidance to health care providers on the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as an HIV prevention strategy among men who have sex with men

In November 2010, the National Institutes of Health announced trial results providing the first evidence that daily oral use of an antiretroviral drug (TDF/FTC, brand name Truvada) used to treat HIV can also help to prevent sexually-acquired HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) when delivered as a part of comprehensive HIV prevention services. To help ensure safe and effective use of PrEP, CDC is currently leading national efforts to develop formal U.S. Public Health Service guidelines on its use among MSM. Until those more detailed guidelines are available, CDC is providing interim guidance to help inform clinical practice. CDC underscores the importance of targeting PrEP to MSM at high-risk for HIV acquisition and delivering it as a part of comprehensive HIV prevention services, which should include risk-reduction and medication adherence counseling, condoms, and testing and treatment for other sexually-transmitted infections. The guidance stresses the need to ensure any MSM who may be prescribed PrEP are confirmed to be HIV negative prior to use, as well as the need for regular monitoring of HIV status, side effects, adherence, and risk behavior among those taking PrEP. The guidelines only apply to MSM, as no data are available on its effectiveness among other populations.

For the full MMWR, see: “Interim Guidance: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of HIV infection in men who have sex with men.”

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES