FDA approves second HIV prevention drug

The FDA has approved a second drug designed to prevent HIV.

Descovy, a daily pre-exposure prophylaxis treatment, is approved to reduce the risk of contracting HIV upon exposure to the virus.

The drug, manufactured by Gilead, is designed for at risk adults and adolescents who weigh at least 77 pounds.

Descovy is not for individuals at risk of HIV infection from receptive vaginal sex, as the effectiveness on that population hasn't been tested.

The clinical trial for Descovy showed it was similar to Truvada, Gilead's other HIV prevention drug, in reducing the risk of acquiring HIV.

The most common adverse reaction in patients without HIV taking Descovy was diarrhea.

The FDA warned that Descovy could exacerbate Hepatitis B symptoms. It also warned Descovy shouldn't be taken by HIV-positive people or people with an unknown HIV status.

Read the full news release here.

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