Posted by Michael Wonder on 14 Nov 2017
Proposal to fund HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
14 November 2017 - PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to widen funded access to emtricitabine with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets (Truvada) for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for people at a high risk of contracting HIV.
From 1 March 2018, emtricitabine with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada) would be funded for people who are at high risk of contracting HIV infection.
People who meet the funding criteria would initially be able to get emtricitabine with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for PrEP from or on the advice of an HIV specialist, with ongoing funding renewals available from general practitioners trained in prescribing PrEP.
People receiving funded access to PrEP would need to have tests for sexually transmitted infections, and be regularly monitored for risk of side effects from treatment. Patients would also be required to receive advice on ways to reduce the risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections.
