Legal Battle Should Raise Awareness of Post-HIV Exposure Drug Regimen
BBC News is reporting on a case in England that is bound to raise awareness and produce some debate among activists, educators, and health care practitioners:
The two men have been granted legal aid on public interest grounds to take the government to court over the policy on post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
A month-long course of PEP, which uses anti-retroviral drugs, can cut the risk of infection after exposure.
One of the pair passed the virus to the other after a condom split, but they say they were unaware of the treatment.
PEP is routinely given to healthcare workers accidentally exposed to HIV at work and is made available to rape victims through police referral. To be most effective, it must be given immediately after exposure.
This January the U.S. Center for Disease Control posted a new position on the non-occupational use of PEP, including some conditional approval for using anti-retroviral postexposure prophylaxis in non-occupational exposure.
BBC News: HIV 'morning after pill' battle
U.S. Center for Disease Control Recommendations Regarding PEP Use
HIV/AIDS on About.com: HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
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