HIV is one of the most serious health issues facing people the world over. There are many methods to prevent HIV transmission, but most of them do not succeed effectively. According to statistics, around 50,000 new cases of HIV are reported yearly in the U.S. alone. For the past 15 years, the cases have been on the rise and there has been no control over HIV despite various efforts. Facing this huge setback in terms of progress in dealing with HIV, the U.S. Food and Drug Administrative (FDA) has approved a new drug to prevent HIV.

The best method thought to be is of using antiviral drug immediately after being exposed to a potential threat of transmission. FDA has been facing criticism for various reasons when it comes to approval of drugs. Sometimes potentially harmful drugs are approved, but without the consent of a medical expert, a patient cannot administer. Though cases have been registered otherwise too where patients have been self-administering FDA approved drugs, some of which are easily available over the counter.

Self-medication is completely harmful and can lead to drug abuse and drug dependency. This not only affects a person’s health status but also harms him or her socially. HIV/AIDS is goes mostly untreatable in the third world countries. The social taboo attached with the disease also hinders prevention and treatment. The FDA has approved this new HIV prevention drug as a pre-exposure prophylaxis.

The whole regiment is very expensive at the moment. So far, Truvada is the only effective HIV antiviral drug combination that requires daily dosages. After much research, FDA has approved Truvada for adults use who at risk of HIV infection exposure. However, this drug is not a replacement for safer sexual practices.