Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Mail & Guardian (Johannesburg) - November 6, 2003
'Morning-after' HIV medication: A new Californian law could mark the first step toward increasing access to medication that many Aids experts believe can prevent HIV infection if taken immediately after exposure.
The measure, AB 879, offers new hope to people who find themselves at risk for reasons ranging from a broken condom to the sharing of a dirty needle. Like a "morning-after" pill to avert pregnancy, the medication has the goal of preventing something from occurring - in this case, HIV infection - rather than waiting for laboratory tests and subsequent treatment.
For years the anti-retroviral treatment has been used in cases involving sexual assaults or accidental needle sticks to health-care workers. Doctors have not been prohibited from prescribing it for the public, but many know little or nothing about it.
AB 879 will create a state task force to develop guidelines to help doctors determine whether to prescribe the medication.
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