What are topical microbicides?

HIV topical microbicides are products with anti-HIV activity, generally incorporating a direct-acting antiretroviral agent, that when applied to the vagina or rectum have the potential to prevent the sexual acquisition of HIV in women and men.

Are microbicides available?

They can be formulated as gels, creams, films, or suppositories. Microbicides may or may not have spermicidal activity (contraceptive effect). At present, an effective microbicide is not available.

How microbicides work?

How do microbicides work? Most microbicides would prevent the transmission of HIV by blocking the attachment of HIV to cells or by preventing the infection from spreading. Microbicides could help protect against HIV and possibly other sexually transmitted infections, but they are not a cure for HIV.

How does Dapivirine ring work?

The ring works by releasing the antiretroviral drug dapivirine from the ring into the vagina slowly over 28 days. Two Phase III randomized controlled trials found that using the DPV-VR reduced the risk of HIV infection in women and long-term use was well-tolerated.

Are microbicides effective?

No. Scientists are testing many products to see whether they help protect against getting HIV and/or other sexually transmitted infections. Some of these products have proven safe enough in laboratory studies that they are now being tested in people. However, no safe and effective microbicide is currently available.

What is tenofovir gel used for?

Tenofovir, a nucleotide reverse-transcriptase inhibitor, is widely used in its oral formulation for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Pericoital application of a topical vaginal-gel formulation of tenofovir was shown in one study to reduce HIV acquisition.

WHO recommends Dapivirine ring?

the World Health Organization
On January 26, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the dapivirine vaginal ring as one of several HIV prevention options available to women at substantial risk for HIV acquisition.

Who makes Dapivirine?

The International Partnership for Microbicides has held exclusive worldwide rights to dapivirine since 2014, building upon a 2004 royalty-free license to develop dapivirine-based microbicides for women in resource-poor countries….Dapivirine.

When should I take PEP medication?

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) means taking medicine to prevent HIV after a possible exposure. PEP should be used only in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after a recent possible exposure to HIV.

What are the side effects of tenofovir?

Tenofovir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• diarrhea.
• headache.
• depression.
• rash.
• itching.
• fever.
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
• gas.

Does tenofovir gel work?

Several clinical trials investigating tenofovir for the prevention of HIV and HSV have been conducted, with varying results. The CAPRISA 004 study found that a vaginal microbicide gel containing tenofovir reduced HIV acquisition by 39% and reduced HSV acquisition by 51%.

What is oral PrEP?

Oral PrEP refers to the use of a pill called Truvada, starting before someone is exposed to HIV and continuing afterwards. Truvada is also used as a treatment for HIV-positive people and contains two antiretroviral drugs: tenofovir (also called TDF) and emtricitabine (also called FTC).