PrEP OK For Teens
Jamma Pediatrics has released a study saying that PrEP is ok for gay and bisexual teen boys.
The study tried to research the effectiveness of PrEP on males between the ages 15 and 17.
The trial involved 78 gay and bi male teens from six different U.S. cities who all tested negative beforehand. These teenagers were told to take PrEP daily for 48 weeks. By the end of the study, there were only 47 participants who followed through to end, and only three cases of adverse effects possibly related to PrEP.
The results found that PrEP is in fact more than 90% effective at reducing the risk of contracting HIV. But, it seemed that there was also an increase in reported risky sexual behavior.
Sadly, three of the participants did contract PrEP, but the study found that there was a low sign of medicine in their blood samples. In fact, signs are leading to the assumption that the three took less than two doses a week instead of the seven they were supposed to take.
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In the face of that horrible outcome, some may wonder why risk the health of other teenagers with more studies.
The reason that this study existed was because of the fact that young gay and bisexual men around that age are at a high risk of contracting STDs, and specifically HIV, anyway.
But while the medicine could keep these young gay men protected, PrEP is only approved for the use of adults.
As such, now that these results are out there will be several parties lobbying for the FDA to readdress their regulations and to make an extension to also affect teenagers.
Some conservative communities may feel that this will be indulging in lust and giving young people “the ok” to participate in sexual activities.
But let’s be honest, teenagers are having sex, and several of them are doing it without protection. If PrEP becomes FDA-approved for teenagers, who are already having sex and at risk, then there’s nothing left but benefit.
h/t: NewNowNext
