Canada approves TDF/FTC as PrEP

22 March 2016. Related: HIV prevention and transmission.

CATIE news

On 23 February 2016, Health Canada approved TDF/FTC for use as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Even with approval, access is unclear and might vary depending on health insurance coverage.

The coformulated TDF/FTC (Truvada) costs about $1,000 per month in Canada. According to the Canadian NGO CATIE: “To facilitate access, private insurance companies need to move swiftly to add Truvada (when used as PrEP) to their list of reimbursed medicines. However, not everyone at high risk for HIV has private insurance. Canada’s provinces and territories now need to consider adding PrEP to their lists of subsidised medicines (these lists are called formularies). Unless they provide subsidies, it is unlikely that Truvada will reach its full potential to significantly stem the spread of HIV.”

Source:

CATIE news. Truvada approved for HIV prevention in Canada. (29 February 2016).
http://www.catie.ca/en/catienews/2016-02-29/truvada-approved-hiv-prevention-canada